Music Theory ties and dots - how to determine length of notes

Back to Music Theory

Need help with Grade 1 - Ties and Dots? Ask our AI Tutor!

AI Tutor - Lucy

Connecting with Tutor...

Please wait while we establish connection

Hi! I'm Lucy, your AI tutor. How can I help you with Grade 1 - Ties and Dots today?

now

Music Theory Quiz - Grade 1 - Ties and Dots (Questions)

Understand ties and dots in Grade 1. Learn how notes join across bars and how dots add time, so rhythms sound steady, musical, and accurate.

Explore the Topic →

(quiz starts below)

Fascinating Fact:

A dotted crotchet lasts one and a half beats. Feel it by counting one and two-and, holding through one-and.

In Specialist Music Theory Grade 1 Ties and Dots, you’ll learn two essentials for clean rhythm reading. A tie joins two identical notes to make one longer sound. A dot adds half the note’s value, creating dotted rhythms you’ll meet in beginner pieces.

Key Terms

Tie: A curved line joining two identical notes, combining their time into one note.
Augmentation dot: A dot after a note that adds half of that note’s value.
Dotted crotchet: Worth one and a half beats in simple time (e.g., 2/4 or 4/4).

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

How long is a dotted minim in Grade 1?

A dotted minim lasts three beats in simple time. The dot adds half of a minim (one beat) to its two beats, making three in total.

How do I count a dotted crotchet–quaver rhythm?

Use “1-and, 2-and.” Hold the dotted crotchet across “1-and,” then play the quaver on “2.” Keep the pulse steady as you count.

What’s the difference between a tie and a slur?

A tie links two identical pitches to make one longer note. A slur curves over different notes and means play smoothly (legato) without adding time.

Leave Feedback

Music Theory Quiz - Grade 1 - Ties and Dots (Questions)

Fascinating Fact:

Key Terms

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

Try These Related Quizzes