Rests
Rests are used in music notation to indicate a period of silence. For every note value, there is an equivalent rest. Rests provide a natural space to take a breath as well as helping to group notes into phrases. Just as speech is organized into words, phrases and sentences, a song melody is made up of notes grouped into phrases with spaces in between them. These spaces are usually indicated by rests.
The Half Rest
This symbol is called a half rest. It indicates two beats of silence. When you see this rest, count for two beats without singing.
This example uses half notes along with half rests. In this book, small counting numbers are used under rests. Use the syllable "ah" to sing this example.
The Whole Rest
This symbol is called a whole rest. It indicates either four beats of silence or a whole bar of silence. The whole rest looks similar to the half rest. The difference is that the whole rest falls under the line, whereas the half rest sits on top of the next line down.
The Quarter Rest
This symbol is a quarter rest. It indicates one beat of silence. Do not sing any note. Remember that small counting numbers are placed under rests.
This example contains quarter rests. Remember to count silently to keep time regardless of whether you see notes or rests in the music. This example is sung using the syllable "ba".
