To continue, every bar line in every piece of music tells you when to count "1".  What follows depends on the METER SIGNATURE.  If it is 4/4 (COMMON TIME), then you AUTOMATICALLY count "1 2 3 4" for EVERY MEASURE.  If your music ONLY has whole, half or quarter notes or rests AND you are not in CUT TIME or a COMPOUND METER (6/8, etc.), then THAT IS ALL YOU NEED TO COUNT!  If there are ANY eighth notes or rests, then you must subdivide each count that has an eighth note or rest by counting an "and", written using a plus sign ("1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +").   Furthermore, if there are any sixteenth notes, then you must subdivide once again as follows:  "1 e + a  2 e + a  3 e + a  4 e + a".  (Say - "one ee and ah   two ee and ah", etc.).  This will work for a string of sixteen sixteenth notes starting on the first beat of the measure.  Obviously, there are numerous combinations of eighths and sixteenths (and triplets and dotted notes , etc.) which create the various rhythms that make music interesting.  There is also what is known as the "swing" feel which adds another level of complexity to the matter.  You must be able to recognize and execute all rhythms with precision.  You should know where you are in the music as it is being conducted AT ALL TIMES.  This is your job as a musician.  Ask an experienced player if you need help.  Take lessons from a professional.  And always remember, TIMING IS EVERYTHING.

      

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Topic: Timing is Everything 2