THE RHYTHM BOOK – Beginning Notation and Sight-Reading is for you if:

– You are a beginner to music, and want to learn how to read and write rhythms. – You are any age, an adult or young learner.

– You sing or play an instrument but never learned how music is notated (for example, perhaps you learned by ear or by imitating what a teacher played).

– You already play an instrument and read music, but want to refresh or strengthen your knowledge of rhythm notation fundamentals.

– You compose or would like to compose music, or write arrangements for others, and want to be able to correctly notate it.

– You are a vocalist, play any instrument (including horns, piano, guitar, bass, strings — NOT just drums and percussion instruments!).

– You want to learn about rhythm but have not yet chosen an instrument.

– You play or want to play any style of music. This book has somewhat of an orientation towards jazz and contemporary music (funk, pop, rock, hip-hop, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, modern classical) and includes the syncopation found in these styles of music and the swing feel of jazz. If you are an aspiring musician in a different style (e.g. folk, singer-songwriter, pre-20th century classical), you can learn what you need to know about rhythm, but the book includes some “extra” rhythmic things not usually found in your style of music.

– You are a music teacher, who wants a clear progressive method to teach rhythm notation to your students. – You are taking music classes, studying with a private instructor, or are teaching yourself.

Rhythm is the key to so much in music. When you have read this book and completed the exercises in it, you will 1) understand how rhythm is notated 2) be able to read common rhythms in 4/4  3) know how to write common rhythms  4) be prepared to study more complex rhythms.

Please note: once you have completed this book, or if you already have a solid command of the material in it, the next book for you is THE RHYTHM BOOK – Intermediate Notation and Sight-Reading.