At the end of the third grade rhythm unit, we learn that beats are usually grouped in 3’s or 4’s. We sing songs in both 3 and 4, listen and find the strong beats, and “ta” rhythms in both meters.
It can be difficult teaching students how to hear the difference between meter in 3 and meter in 4. I have found it to be easier for students to hear the difference between 3 and 4 than between 2 and 3 (or duple and triple).
Listening Recommendations
Meter in 3
- Anderson: The Waltzing Cat
- Dvorak: Symphony No. 8, third movement
- Elliott Smith: Waltz #2 (You could listen to just the instrumental introduction)
- Haydn: Symphony No. 45 in F-sharp minor “Farewell”
- Max Roach: Blues Waltz
- Mogwai: Waltz for Aidan
- Mozart: Minuet and Trio Form Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
- Strauss: The Blue Danube Waltz (start around the 1:30 or 2:00 minute mark)
- Tchaikovsky: Allegro Non Troppe E Molto Maestoso
- Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1 – 1st Movement (opening)
- Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings, II. Valse
Meter in 4
- Bach: Brandenburg Concerto #2 In F, BWV 1047 – 1. Allegro
- Bizet: Carmen Suite #1 – The Toreadors
- Haydn: “Surprise” (Symphony no. 94)
- Ibert: Divertissement for Small Orchestra: Parade: Tempo di marcia
- Jack Bradshaw: Red Rambler Rag
- Mouret: Rondeau from Suite de Symphonies
- Mozart: Flute Concerto No.2 in D Major , K.314
- Mozart: Piano Concerto in E Flat, K. 482; 3rd Movement
- Prokofiev: Love Of Three Oranges
- Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker March
- Vivaldi: The Four Seasons, Op. 8, “Spring”: Allegro – YouTube
Meter Listening Worksheets / Assessments
(See download at bottom of page.)
- 3 Meter Listening Assessments (PDF)
