Estimated reading time 3 minutes
Table of Contents
Introduction
Have you gotten the hang of reading rhythm in 4-4 time and want to get a handle on 3-4 time too? 3-4 has a much different feel than 4-4 and expands the types of music you can perform. Read more to learn about singing rhythm syllables in 3-4 time.
This article uses technical musical terms. For definitions, see the Glossary at the end of the post.
Rhythm Chart for Singing Rhythm Syllables in 3-4 Time
Before you start singing rhythm syllables in 3-4 time, you need to understand how they work.
The chart shows: the rhythm symbol, the rhythm value, and the rhythm syllable linked with each rhythm value.
- The big difference between 3-4 and 4-4 time is that 4-4 has four Tah’s in a measure, while 3-4 has only three.
- In addition, the following rhythm syllables video will demonstrate how each syllable sounds.
Mobile users: for best results reading the music, tilt your screen 90o to the right.
Rhythm Chart
Rhythm Syllables Video
My Country ‘Tis of Thee and Singing Rhythm Syllables in 3-4 Time
My Country ‘Tis of Thee:
My Country ‘Tis of Thee will be today’s example for singing rhythm syllables in 3-4 time. This American patriotic song borrows its melody from the British national anthem, God Save the Queen.
Be sure to sing the solfege syllables below each line in the score as you follow along with the sing-along track.
- For more on shape notes, read Shape Note Sight Singing Success.
- Make sure you take a breath at the rests. If you don’t have enough breath, your note can drop, making you go flat.
- Next, try chanting the rhythm. The Kodaly rhythm syllables appear above the score.
The song track creates a sound model for well-tuned melodic intervals.
- I chose the sing-along song track’s tuning with the objective of working on melodic intonation.
- When you hear the distance between the pitches, it reinforces your mental schemata for melodic intervals.
- In addition, the song track uses synthetic voices rather than actual voices.
- Research has shown that this will help with the ability to identify and produce absolute pitch information.
- For more info, read Why Use a Synth Voice Instead of Real Voices.
In addition, I have included a video of My Country ‘Tis of Thee for you to enjoy.
My Country ‘Tis of Thee Video
Singing Rhythm Syllables in 3-4 Time: Quiz
Once you’ve gotten My Country ‘Tis of Thee down, you can try the quiz. Sing the rhythm syllables in 3-4 time, then sing the solfege syllables (not shown).
Concluding Thoughts on Singing Rhythm Syllables in 3-4 Time
Practicing singing rhythm syllables in 3-4 time with the song track will build your confidence with the new time signature.
- Shape notes make for a multisensory learning environment.
- They will help anyone sight read better, but they’re especially important for ADD, LD, ASD, and other special needs students.
Be sure to practice a little bit every day.
© 2022 Geoffrey Keith
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Glossary
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