Measuring Time

Music is an experience in time.  In order to capture this on paper, we need to have a way of breaking down that time into logical units.

In music notation, the measure is the basic metrical unit.  Measures are delineated by barlines, vertical lines spanning the staff.  A measure is also called a “bar”.

Within the measure are a number of beats, or regular pulses.  The number of beats in a measure is determined by the time signature. 

The time signature is indicated by two numbers placed at the beginning of the composition, or at the beginning of any measure in which the time signature changes.  The top number in the time signature tells you how many beats are in the measure.  The bottom number tells you what kind of note receives one beat, which we will explore on the next page.