MTS-R01Whole, half and quarter notes.
Lesson 1 of 9 · MTS-R01
The Steady Beat
Whole, half and quarter notes.
18 minOpen lesson
Category · Rhythm & Timing
Rhythm & Timing
Nine friendly lessons, in order — from a steady heartbeat to triplets, tempo words and pickups. The best place to begin if you are new to reading music.
Your learning path
9 lessonsRhythm & Timing
Nine short lessons, in order. Start with a steady beat and add one new rhythm at a time.
MTS-R02Counting the beats you do not play.
Lesson 2 of 9 · MTS-R02
The Sound of Silence: Rests
Counting the beats you do not play.
16 minOpen lesson
MTS-R03Time signatures and the dotted half note.
Lesson 3 of 9 · MTS-R03
Two, Three or Four Beats
Time signatures and the dotted half note.
22 minOpen lesson
MTS-R04Repeats, first and second endings.
Lesson 4 of 9 · MTS-R04
Ties, Slurs & Road Signs
Repeats, first and second endings.
24 minOpen lesson
MTS-R05Counting '1 and 2 and' - plus the dotted quarter.
Lesson 5 of 9 · MTS-R05
Eighth Notes
Counting '1 and 2 and' - plus the dotted quarter.
24 minOpen lesson
MTS-R06Four to a beat, without the panic.
Lesson 6 of 9 · MTS-R06
Sixteenth Notes
Four to a beat, without the panic.
28 minOpen lesson
MTS-R07When the beat divides in three.
Lesson 7 of 9 · MTS-R07
6/8, Cut Time & Triplets
When the beat divides in three.
30 minOpen lesson
MTS-R08Fast and slow, loud and soft - the Italian words.
Lesson 8 of 9 · MTS-R08
Tempo & Dynamics
Fast and slow, loud and soft - the Italian words.
26 minOpen lesson
MTS-R09The difference between rhythm and meter.
Lesson 9 of 9 · MTS-R09
Strong Beats, Weak Beats & Pickups
The difference between rhythm and meter.
28 minOpen lesson
Curriculum
0 lessonsFeatured lessons
What you'll gain
Skills that move the needle on every solo.
Each lesson is paced for working musicians — short enough to fit into a practice routine, deep enough to change how you hear and play.
- Keep a steady beat and count whole, half and quarter notes aloud
- Count calmly through rests, ties, repeats and numbered endings
- Play eighth and sixteenth notes with simple counting words
- Feel the difference between marching in two and rolling in 6/8
- Follow tempo and dynamic markings, and spot a pickup note
Ready to feel the beat with confidence?
Join the full music theory curriculum and make every rhythm on the page feel natural.