What is a Musical beat?

The beating pulse

The pulse beat is the steady, regular beat you can feel in music - like a heartbeat or a ticking clock. It’s what helps you keep time and stay in rhythm. No matter how fast or slow the music is, the pulse is the constant beat you tap your foot to or nod your head along with and keeps everyone playing together.

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Mr Fingers Moloney from the 'Not Just Noise' Quest pantomime

Session Three:

Pulse Beat

A special sound pattern in most music is a PULSE BEAT.
It is an EVEN pattern.
It can be played at a slow tempo or speed.
It can be played at a fast tempo or speed.
It can change tempo in a piece of music.

Your heart keeps a PULSE BEAT.
Doctors check that your PULSE BEAT to ensure you are healthy.

Your pulse beat can GET FASTER
when you exercise

Your pulse beat SLOWS DOWN
when you are asleep

If a PULSE BEAT was drawn it could look like this.

Exercise / Activity
1. Put your thumb in the hollow at your throat to feel your ‘PULSE BEAT’.
2. Go for a longish run and then feel your pulse again. It will beat at a faster tempo.

> Next Session : Session Four - Accent Beat > Part 1 : Extensions - Expand your Musical abilities