CHAPTER 8Rhythm
Rhythm is easy to experience, but it can be difficult to define or use. Rhythm is perceived in three different ways: we hear it, we feel it, and we see it. We’re most familiar with rhythm we can hear, so we’ll define rhythm using a drum. Beating on a drum creates sounds that we recognize as rhythm. Every rhythm is made up of three sub-components: alternation, repetition, and tempo.
Alternation
A drum’s rhythm exists because there’s a beat sound followed by a moment of silence. The alternation between sound and silence creates the rhythm. The sounds of walking feet or a bouncing ball reveal their rhythms because of the alternation.
There are many types of alternation. In addition to sound and silence, there’s also alternation ...
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