Modes, Syncopations
56 Sight Singing Assignment
Warm-Up: Syncopated Rhythms
In these rhythm-only exercises, some of the syncopated rhythms cross the barline, some cross the beat, and some occur within a beat.
Perform the warm-ups chanting the upper line using the syllable “Tah” while clapping the lower line. Then clap the upper line and chant “Tah” for the lower line. Also practice with a partner so that you can both feel that you are accountable for the beat and its subdivisions.
1. Simple Time
2. Compound Time
Melodies Containing Syncopated Rhythms
1. Simple Time
Arcangelo Corelli, “Christmas” Concerto Op. 8, No. 6, I.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata for Violin and Piano K. 301, I.
Scott Joplin, School of Ragtime, II.
Joplin, School of Ragtime, V.
Joplin, School of Ragtime, III.
Ludwig van Beethoven, Sonata for Cello and Piano Op. 69, II.
2. Compound Time
Johannes Brahms, Piano Quintet Op. 34, III.
“Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen” (American folk song)
