Metrical Deviations & Dissonances

This lesson is part of the Rhythm, Meter & Form category.

Objectives

• Students will be familiar with different types of metrical dissonance and their use in music.
• Students will be familiar with different methods of interrupting or changing the meter of a musical composition.
• Students will be familiar with syncopated rhythms and their effects, including anticipation of the beat

Resources

• Suzanne Vega, "Tom's Diner"

Class Activities

• Discussion and definition of tuplets, asymmetrical meter, hemiola and changing meter
• Identification and analysis of different types of metrical dissonance in music of different styles
• Discussion and definition of syncopation, isolated metric deviations like fermatas, ritardando and rubato, and stylistic deviations like swing
• Analysis of metric deviation in different types of music
• Exploration of rhythmic foundations of Carnatic and Hindustani music
• Performance of music with improvised metrical deviation

Assignments

• Identification and analysis of different types of metrical dissonance in music of different styles
• Identification and analysis of metric deviation in written and recorded music