Observe how the drums consistently emphasize the second and fourth beats of each measure. These are usually the weaker beats of a four-beat measure. Accenting normally unaccented beats or accenting notes that occur in between beats create what is called syncopation. Syncopation can add rhythmic drive to the music. Systematic syncopation on the second and fourth beats is called a back beat and is
very common in blues as well as other popular Euro American music. What is syncopation and which words are syncopated in the third stanza (starting at 1:21) of “Poor Boy Blues”?
What will be an ideal response?
• Syncopation (or "misplaced accents") refers to accenting beats that are normally unaccented or accenting notes that occur in between the beats. • In stanza 3 of "Poor Boy Blues" (CD 1:26), Lucas syncopates
. . . age . . . a-round . . . been a poor boy. . . ain't caught. . . hell.
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a) Eadweard Muybridge b) Alexander Graham Bell c) Thomas Edison d) Guglielmo Marconi
Which guitarist experienced critical scorn for his athletic approach to playing (the "fastest guitarist in the world")?
a. Don Ponzetti b. Al Di Meola c. Pat Metheny d. Pat Martino
What Greek philosopher did Marsilio Ficino translate into Latin?
A. Socarates B. Medici C. Plato D. Martin Luther
Answer the following statement(s) true (T) or false (F)
1. Songwriting is such a competitive field that most starting out find it necessary to work another job for steady income. 2. Composers of show music ideally need to be modest and low-key in order to be convincing to skeptical financial backers of shows. 3. The works of children’s music composers straddle the line between education and entertainment. 4. Unlike the featured artist on a recording, a record producer typically earns a straight salary and not a royalty. 5. The proliferation of music synthesizes has reduced job opportunities for instrumentalists.