Article: At the top left-hand corner of a piece of music you will see several notations.  The first is a symbol called the clef, which typically depends on the instrument for which the piece was composed. Next there may be some sharps or flats. Finally, you will see 2 numbers stacked on top of each other. This is the time signature. For the first part of this article we used the signature 4/4, which is indicated by 2 fours stacked on top of one another. The top number indicates the number of beats in a measure, and the bottom number is which note value gets the beat.  It is most common for a 4 to appear on the bottom, giving the quarter note the beat.  In 4/4 time, the top note tells you that there are 4 beats in a measure, and the bottom note tells you that a quarter note gets the beat. In 2/4 time, there are 2 beats in a measure, but you are still counting a quarter note as a beat.  So instead of counting 1-2-3-4, you would use that same pace but simply say 1-2, 1-2. Music set in 3/4 time counts 3 quarter notes to every measure. The waltz is always danced in this rhythm, and finding a song that is designated as a waltz may help you to hear the pattern more clearly. As you listen, count “1-2-3” in your head. The song “Christmas Waltz” has a distinctive waltz rhythm, and also contains the lyrics “and this song of mine/in three-quarter time,” tipping you off to the rhythm. The top number always denotes the number of beats in a measure, and the bottom always signifies what note gets the beat. If the bottom number is an 8, then you should count eighth notes. If the bottom number is a 2, then you should count half notes.  6/8 meter is like the waltz in that the beats are grouped into threes, but there are 2 of them.  Beats 1 and 4 should get the emphasis: “ONE-two-three-FOUR-five-six.” Beat 1 is the strongest beat.  3/2 times means you should count 3 half notes for 1 measure.  1 half note is worth 2 quarter notes.  Try counting evenly to 6, emphasizing the odd numbers: “ONE-two-THREE-four-FIVE-six, ONE-two-THREE-four-FIVE-six.”  By emphasizing the odd numbers, you’re pointing out where each half note begins.  By counting the even numbers, you’re ensuring a regular pace. The time signature gives a distinctive rhythmic sound to different types of music.  For example, composers often write marches in 2/4 time to give a distinctive feeling of boots stepping 1-2, 1-2.  Pop, country and other music aimed at a broad audience typically has some form of 2 or 4 in the time signature because people like to tap their foot along with the music.  Choosing a simple time signature makes it easy for a general audience to enjoy it. Jazz and other modern music often sounds disjointed because of unusual time signatures, such as 13/8, 5/4, and other uneven divisions. This will be a challenge to count, but may help you see how the time signature contributes to the overall feel of music.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Find the time signature. Understand the significance of each number in the time signature. Practice a waltz. Review less common time signatures. Practice counting while listening to music.