How to Read Piano Sheet Music For Beginners – 5 Tips on Reading Music Rhythm
Learning how to read piano sheet music for beginners is like learning code. Every music symbol means something different. Here are 5 Tips on Reading Rhythm.
Tip 1 – Rhythm is the beat of music. Without rhythm, music would just be random sound. Here are the values of each rhythm symbol.
The hollow oval is worth 4 beats.
It is called either a Whole Note or a Semibreve.
The hollow oval with a stem (stick at the side) is worth 2 beats.
It is called a Half Note or a Minim.
The black oval with a stem is worth 1 beat.
It is called a Quarter Note or a Crotchet.
The black oval with a flag (or tail) is worth beat.
It is called an Eighth Note or a Quaver.
Tip 2 – An overview of reading Rhythm in sheet music is its general colour! The black notes keep the music moving, the hollow notes are “held” notes, where the music waits. The blacker – the busier!
Tip 3 – At the top of your music you will see the suggested speed of the beat. These are 3 popular Italian terms -
Allegro – play at a fast speed.
Moderato – play at a medium speed.
Andante – play at a slow, walking speed.
Tip 4 – At the start of the music you will see 2 numbers – one on top of the other. This is called the time signature. The top number tells you how many beats in a bar.
Tip 5 – Clap through the rhythm first. This gives you the feel of the piece. When you have mastered the rhythm, it gives you the structure to “hang” your notes on.