Introduction to Music Theory

Metronome and Tempo

• Metronome: Sets the tempo for music; the foundation of all music.
• Tempo: Current example is 120 beats per minute (BPM).
  • Definition: The metronome clicks 120 times in a minute at 120 BPM.
• Music Tempo: Music can be played at various tempos, not just 120 BPM.
• Quarter Note: Represents one beat in common tempo discussions.

Basic Music Theory

• Time Signature: Explained using 4/4 time.
  • 4/4 Time: Most common time signature in music.
  • Top Number: Indicates beats per measure.
  • Bottom Number: Indicates which note value gets the beat.
• Measure: Helps musicians track rhythm by dividing sheet music into sections.
  • Indicated by a vertical bar.
  • Length is determined by the time signature.

Note Values

• Common Notes:
  • Whole Note
  • Half Note
  • Quarter Note
  • Eighth Note
  • Sixteenth Note
• 4/4 Time Explanation:
  • Quarter Note: Gets the beat (1/4 value).
  • 4 Quarter Notes = 1 Measure in 4/4 time.
  • 8 Eighth Notes = 1 Measure in 4/4 time.
  • 16 Sixteenth Notes = 1 Measure in 4/4 time.
  • 2 Half Notes = 1 Measure in 4/4 time.
  • 1 Whole Note = 1 Measure in 4/4 time.
• Relationship: 1 Whole Note = 2 Half Notes = 4 Quarter Notes = 8 Eighth Notes = 16 Sixteenth Notes.

Clefs

• Purpose: Show the position of notes on the staff; required for reading sheet music.
• Common Clefs:
  • Treble Clef: For higher-pitched instruments (e.g., violin, flute).
  • Bass Clef: For lower-pitched instruments (e.g., double bass, tuba).
• Different clefs display different pitch ranges to accommodate various instruments.

Summary

• Tempo is set by a metronome, with each click representing a beat.
• In 4/4 time, a quarter note equals one beat.
• Understanding note values helps fill measures in 4/4 time.
• Treble and bass clefs display pitches in a manner accessible to musicians.

Next Steps

• The next video will delve deeper into pitch and rhythm.
• Questions can be addressed in the comments section for further clarification.