Back to topics

Why can six eighth notes have two different beats?

Six equal subdivisions can be grouped as three pairs or two groups of three. In conventional Western notation, that helps explain the different organization of 3/4 and 6/8 even when the total note value matches.

3–5 min

Questions you could explore

  • What changes when the groupings change but the small units stay equal?

Start reading

  • Open Music TheoryMeter

    Open Music Theory distinguishes simple and compound meter and explains their notation; the comparison concerns the usual 3/4 and 6/8 reading.

Ready to try your ideas aloud?

Your topic carries over. Record up to 2½ minutes, depending on your plan.

Why do a flute and a violin sound different on the same note?

Music and sound4–5 minTwo instruments can play the same pitch without sounding alike. The balance of frequencies and the way a note begins help create its timbre, so one number does not describe the whole sound.

Music and sound

Who performs the footsteps you hear in a film?

Some screen sounds are performed again during post-production to fit the picture. Foley combines a choice of sound with a choice of timing, so the most useful prop need not be the object shown on screen.

5–7 min

Who performs the footsteps you hear in a film?

Music and sound5–7 minSome screen sounds are performed again during post-production to fit the picture. Foley combines a choice of sound with a choice of timing, so the most useful prop need not be the object shown on screen.

Music and sound

What the piano’s sustain pedal changes

A piano note can keep ringing after the player lifts a finger from the key. On an acoustic piano, the sustain pedal changes what the dampers do, connecting a small foot movement to the sound that remains in the room.

5–7 min

What the piano’s sustain pedal changes

Music and sound5–7 minA piano note can keep ringing after the player lifts a finger from the key. On an acoustic piano, the sustain pedal changes what the dampers do, connecting a small foot movement to the sound that remains in the room.

Why can six eighth notes have two different beats? | Speech Topic | speaking.app