Rhythm reading lessons › Lesson 2 of 14
Longer notes: clap once and hold through the beats.
A half note lasts two beats and a whole note fills the bar. You clap only at the start, then let the note ring while you keep counting.
The next clap after a long note is where timing slips. Count the held beats out loud: "1 2-2, 3 4-4".
| Figure | Count | Kodály syllables |
|---|---|---|
| Half note | 1 (2) | ta-a |
| Whole note | 1 (2 3 4) | ta-a-a-a |
| Half rest | (two silent beats) | sh-sh |
Space starts the highlighted exercise and taps the rhythm · Enter plays it · or tap the card on a phone.