Music Theory compound time – beats divide into groups of three

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Music Theory Quiz - Grade 3 - Compound Time (Questions)

Compound time feels bouncy because each beat splits into three. In Grade 3 Music Theory, you will read 6/8, 9/8, and 12/8 and beam notes correctly.

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Fascinating Fact:

Beaming tip: group quavers in threes per beat. 6/8 shows two beams of three, 9/8 three beams of three, 12/8 four beams of three.

In Specialist Music Theory Grade 3, compound time signatures show beats that divide into three. You will spot dotted beats, group quavers correctly, and count patterns in 6/8, 9/8, and 12/8.

Key Terms

Compound time: A meter where each main beat divides into three equal parts, for example 6/8 or 9/8.
Dotted beat: The main pulse in compound time, usually a dotted crotchet that equals three quavers.
Beaming: The way note stems are joined to show beats clearly, grouped by three quavers per beat in compound time.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

How do I count 6/8 time?

Count two dotted crotchet beats per bar as one la li, two la li. Each dotted crotchet equals three quavers.

What is the difference between simple and compound time?

Simple time divides each beat into two equal parts, like 4/4. Compound time divides each beat into three equal parts, like 6/8 or 9/8.

How should quavers be beamed in 9/8?

Beam three groups of three quavers per bar to match the three dotted crotchet beats. This makes the pulse easy to read and count.

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Music Theory Quiz - Grade 3 - Compound Time (Questions)

Fascinating Fact:

Key Terms

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

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