Understanding Time Signatures in Music

What does the top number in a time signature indicate?

• The tempo of the music

• The number of beats in a measure

• The type of note that gets the beat

• The key of the music

In 4/4 time, how many beats are in each measure?

• Two beats

• Four beats

• Three beats

• Six beats

Which note gets one beat in 4/4 time?

• Half note

• Quarter note

• Eighth note

• Whole note

How many beats are in each measure in 2/4 time?

• Three beats

• Six beats

• Two beats

• Four beats

In 2/4 time, which note receives one beat?

• Whole note

• Quarter note

• Half note

• Eighth note

How many beats are in each measure in 3/4 time?

• Two beats

• Six beats

• Three beats

• Four beats

What is the feel of music in 3/4 time compared to 4/4 time?

• More circular

• More square

• More triangular

• More linear

In 6/8 time, how many beats are in each measure?

• Two beats

• Six beats

• Three beats

• Four beats

Which note gets one beat in 6/8 time?

• Whole note

• Half note

• Eighth note

• Quarter note

What is the equivalent of a full measure in 6/8 time?

• Quarter note

• Whole note

• Dotted half note

• Dotted quarter note