Quarter note
1 beatBlack notehead with a stem. One clap, then open your hands.
Notes and rests
Everything Beginner 1 uses. Each note lasts a number of beats; the rest with the same name lasts just as long, only in silence. Press ▶ to hear each example.
Notes: clap and hold
Half note
2 beatsWhite notehead with a stem. Clap and keep your hands together on the 2nd beat.
Whole note
4 beatsWhite notehead without a stem. Clap on 1 and hold your hands together until the end of 4.
Rests: silence that counts
Quarter rest
1 beatHands open for 1 beat, counting in silence.
Half rest
2 beatsA rectangle sitting on top of the 3rd line: 2 beats of silence.
Whole rest
4 beatsA rectangle hanging below the 4th line: the whole bar in silence.
Time signatures
The top number tells how many beats each bar has; the 4 at the bottom means the quarter note lasts 1 beat.
4/4
4 beatsThe most common time: count 1, 2, 3, 4.
3/4
3 beatsWaltz time: 1, 2, 3, with 1 a little stronger.
2/4
2 beatsMarch time: 1, 2.