

The number of beats per measure can instead be determined by dividing the upper number by three. So, if the lower number is 8 the beat unit must be the dotted quarter note, since it is three times an eighth note. To identify which type of note represents one beat, you have to multiply the note value represented by the lower number by three. Unlike simple time, compound time uses a dotted note for the beat unit. Method 1: use the Ideas window (Sibelius 5, 6 and 7) Sibelius 5 & 6: go to Window > Ideas Sibelius 7: go to View > Panels > Ideas Click on the Library tab Search for drum parts using the search eld at the top eg. The most common lower number in a compound time signature is 8. Compound time signatures are distinguished by an upper number which is commonly 6, 9 or 12. In compound time signatures, each beat is divided into three equal parts.The most common simple time signatures are 2/4, 3/4, 4/4 (often indicated with a “C” simbol) and 2/2 (often indicated with a “cut C” simbol). In simple time signatures, each beat is divided into two equal parts.

Time signatures actually come in two flavors: simple and compound. You should beware, however, that this interpretation is only correct when handling simple time signatures.

Traditionally, metronomes display some of the most common Italian tempo markings (“Adagio”, “Allegro”, etc.) alongside the BPM slider, but the correspondence of words to numbers can by no means be regarded as precise for every piece. You can search for these foreign terms in our music glossary. Most of these words are Italian, a result of the fact that many of the most important composers of the 17th century were Italian, and this period was when tempo indications were used extensively for the first time. Whether a music piece has a mathematical time indication or not, in classical music it is customary to describe the tempo of a piece by one or more words, which also convey moods. The tempo is typically written at the start of a piece of music, and in modern music it is usually indicated in beats per minute (BPM). In musical terminology, tempo (Italian for “time”) is the speed or pace of a given piece.
