Counting Beats in Music

2nd GradeMusic20 min

Learning Objective

I can count the beats in a measure of music.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

12 min

How Do You Count the Beat in Music?

Hoffman Academy

Guided Notes

5 min

Key concepts students will learn:

  • The top number of a time signature tells you how many beats there will be in every measure.

  • In 4/4 time, there are 4 beats in a measure, and beat 1 is the strong beat.

  • A whole note lasts for 4 beats, a half note lasts for 2 beats, and a quarter note lasts for 1 beat.

Practice

10 min

3 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

How many beats are in each measure of a song with a 3/4 time signature?

Teacher Guide

Get the complete package:

  • Answer keys for all questions
  • Differentiation strategies
  • Extension activities
  • Printable student handouts