Reading Notation Rhythms - Free Exercises
Below are some simple rhythms you should practice once you feel confident with the rhythms explained in the previous chapter. If you are unsure of the rhythms and this part overwhelms you, go back over the lastchapter and carefully memorize and practice counting and clapping the rhythms.
It's important to understand these basics before moving on. If you get ahead of yourself, you'll end up lost as things get more complicated.
To get the idea, read the following rhythm thinking of the Christmas song "Jingle Bells." Like the lesson in the previous chapter, count out loud and clap the rhythm using your hands.
If you feel confident that you understand reading the quarter notes (
) and the half notes (
) and the last whole note (
) then try to read the following exercise. We'll add eighth notes (
) to our set here now. Remember, two eighth notes are played in the space which one quarter note takes.
This exercise contains eighth notes and quarter notes, no half notes or whole notes. Practice this while counting aloud.
Notice something different 
in bar three of the following exercise? This is a type of rhythm called syncopation. Don't worry if you don't understand how to clap or play this; the next chapter deals with this in more detail. I've included it here as a challenge. See if you can figure out how toplay syncopation on your own. :-)
Counting Rhythms
Time Signatures
Reading Exercises
Reading Syncopation
Accents and Markings
Basics of Pitches
Intervals
Flats & Sharps
Key Signatures
Clefs & Staves
DS, DC, & Repeat Signs
How to Transpose Music
The Circle of Fifhs
Reading Exercises- Tips
Tools
Games
Note Blaster
Piano Key Race
Save the City
Lessons Coming Soon:
Reading Rests
Practicing Effectively