SkyLeap Home > SkyLeap Publications > Beginning Clarinet Songbook Home > Volume 1

Welcome to the Beginning Clarinet Songbook

Lesson 4: Rhythm
New Note Values: Dotted Half Notes, Whole Notes, and Whole Rests

Follow the links below for more information on each song, as well as pictures and helpful links.

Song #1: The Orchid's Lullaby

Song #2: Flopsy the Whimsical Clown Visits a Farm

Song #3: The Little Blue Elf

Song #4: The Merry Little Sandpiper

Song #5: Clarobotoo Practices at His Home Overlooking the Sea

Song #6: Follow Your Path

The elements of music in Lesson 4:

Sound: Pitches used in this lesson: C through A
Rhythm: Time signatures used in this lesson: two-four, three-four, four-four
Note values used in this lesson: quarter notes, quarter rests, half notes, half rests, dotted half notes, whole notes, and whole rests
Melody: phrases, breath marks

In Lesson 4 we are going to focus on three new rhythmic durations: dotted half notes, whole notes, and whole rests.

The dotted half note is equal to three quarter notes tied together. Therefore, when the quarter note is equal to one beat, the dotted half note is equal to three beats.

The whole note is equal to four quarter notes tied together. Therefore, when the quarter note is equal to one beat, the whole note is equal to four beats.

The whole rest looks very similar to the half rest, but it is placed just below the second line from the top of the staff. The whole rest indicates that the entire or "whole" measure is silent. Therefore, when there are two beats in a measure, the whole rest represents two beats of silence. When there are four beats in a measure, the whole rest represents four beats of silence.

For more explanations on counting notes and feeling the beat, please visit RhythmBot.