Capistrano School
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Can You Hear Syncopation In Music?

Syncopation ( pronounced SINK-o-PAY-shun) is hearing the beat when you don't expect to.  When notes begin before or after a strong beat, you have syncopation. 

Listen to this rhythm in Example 1.  The notes fall on the beats.  This is not syncopation.   

Now listen to Example 2.   The notes fall off the beats.  This is syncopation.   

Notes do not always fall on the beat.  The next two examples use the same melody, but different rhythms.  The first melody uses syncopation.  The second melody does not.  

Melody with syncopation.

      Melody without syncopation. 

Could you hear the difference?  Remember that both examples used the same melody, but different rhythms.  The first melody was more interesting because the notes did not always fall on the beat.  Syncopation made it sound more interesting.  

Syncopation tickles the ear with beats that are heard in unexpected places.  

Now you know all about syncopation.   

Capistrano Elementary School
400 Capistrano Drive
Modesto, CA  95354
(209)  521-8664

Dante Alvarez, Principal
Russ Ewick, District Web Master                                                
Michael Bower, Site Web Master and Author     
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