Right-hand rests: count sound and silence

Keep counting through silence

‘Right hand 3 · Notes and rests’ is eight measures in 4/4, marked quarter note = 64. C4 is middle C.

In measure 1 the right hand plays a C4 quarter note, a quarter rest, a D4 quarter note and another quarter rest. Count one, two, three, four: sound falls on beats one and three; beats two and four are silent. Measure 2 uses the same rhythm with E4 and F4.

Compare a longer note and rest

Measure 3 has a G4 half note followed by a half rest: hold the note for two beats, then rest for two. The C4 whole note in measure 8 lasts four beats.

• Suggestion: count measure 1 aloud and name the sounding and silent beats before playing.
• Read measures 1–2 and measure 3 separately; check that the count continues through each rest.
• Play through the last whole note. If a rest is shortened or a note released early, return to that measure slowly.

Score and scope

This guide uses the MusicXML for right-03, an original exercise created for Hello, Piano. The practice sequence is a suggestion and does not replace individual instruction.