writing timing

[John Bertotti]

Ladies, and gentlemen, I am currently working through practica musica 4.5 the book lessons. I am at a juncture were I now have to listen to a piece on the computer then write the timing on the staff. I don't have to pick the correct note ie..c d a etc.. just the correct value with dots or rests, as needed. It's killing me I'm sure this must be an excellent exercise, but I'm finding it very challenging. I can listen to the piece over and over again and the first piece out of 100 point I earned 40. Fortunately I did learn from my mistakes. I am finding it's taking hours just to get a very short, about four measures, written correctly. Then find it still isn't perfect. I guess what I'm asking is are there any techniques for tuning in your ears for the subtle doted notes and rests. Those are what are really killing me? I do sincerely appreciate the help you all provide. I think just from reading your other posts and listening to the occasional link of music played I must be newest beginner to venture into this intimidating section so thanks all. John http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Jim Garber]

Like when my kids learned fractions: you have to subdivide to the least common denominator. In other words, if you have dotted quarter follwoed by and eighth you have to count "1&2" for the quarter and "&" for the eighth. Harder, I think is to count the triplets but I had a friend who told me "count 1 triplet, 2 triplet".

Hey, I am still learning after 30 plus years of playing. I recently found out what a double dotted note meant. Not sure exactly how to count that one but I am sure it is similar to the above and then some.

Jim

[John Bertotti]

I understand the dots and the double dots. For instance a dotted quarter would be 3/8 a double dotted quarter would be equivalent to 7/16. I think, the first dot increases the length by half the original value so a quarter is 2/8 half is 1/8 for a total of 3/8 a double dot means the first dot again increases the original by half and the second dot increases the the first dot value by half so half of 1/8 is 1/16 and 3/8 is 6/16 for a grand total of 7/16. I had to put all these numbers into a something I'm familiar with in my case tools and measurements like with a tape measure. I have no clue how to count any thing but the 1 and 2 and. I'm working on it. But if I understand what you're saying Jim that if I subdivided the measures by counting into the smallest common denominator than I can more easily write the time. My new question is with no time signature and only a sound clip how do you know what the smallest common denominator is? Just trial and error. If that's the case I really need to learn how to count all the time signatures better with the dots double dots rests and all. This program has tossed in all sorts of weird times like 9/8 and 3/2 is that right. I know practice practice practice. The only real answer right. Thanks John

[psann]

reesaber

Love your signature, except Bertotti spells weird kind of weird.

[John Bertotti]

Thanks psann, unfortunately I can't take the credit for the Bertotti. I acquired it at birth, as is. I'm not sure, for sure, but believe there are only a couple of handfuls of us in the US. I only know of four. John http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif