Lesson-10 : Timing the Time : Part-2

Hi All,

Based on the assumed unit duration, the various standard notations used in WCM score sheet writing (for notfying the time duration of each individual note) are as follows :

Whole Note = 4 units --- (also called as Breve )

denoted by a oval shaped white note, without any vertical line (stem) attached to that.

This means, if you hit a piano key, or make a sound on violin, or sing with your voice,

Start the sound and SUSTAIN it for a duration of Four counts. (but careful to stop it after four count…!)

Like saying Aa aa aa aah opening your mouth…clapping for 4 uniform counts !

While playing instrument, try to make uniform tapping using your leg for four counts !

Half-Note = 2 units --- (also called as Semi-breve or Minim )

denoted by a white (not filled) note with a Stem attachment (usually extends approx. 3 lines equivalent of the staff lines ).

- playing method is same as above except that the duration is restricted to 2 units or 2 counts or 2 claps/taps etc..

Quarter Note = 1 unit ---- (also called as Crotchet )

denoted by a black note with stem attached (filling the oval shape of minim with black )

– Playing duration one count, one clap, tap etc..

One-Eighth Note = ½ unit --- (also called as Quaver)

denoted by a Crotchet with a tail, ie by adding a small tail shape curve at the top of the stem of the Crotchet.

Playing is slightly complicated in the sense you have to count half of a normal clap or tap.

For which you imagine the word Se-ven or Ja-Na (of Ja-na Ga-na Ma-na) or Ni-rai and try to say this in one clap time and assume the time you allotted to either Se or Ja or Ni in the above.

Another way is instead of saying One – Two – Three – Four while counting, for the same equal duration, try to Say One-and-Two-and-Three-and-Four-and ..

You may certainly need a slight practice in the beginning.. and can slowly pick-up later.

In the same way, you are having, ¼ , 1/8 , 1/16, 1/32, 1/64 th notes (called as Semi-quaver, Semi-Demi-quaver etc etc…)

and each time you add one additional tail with the stem while denoting them in the score sheet ! !

Also, Sounds are not the only part of a Music!

Silences also make music ! They also have calculated durations! Similar to the above notes!

See the following summary table for the Notes and Rests



Complicated isn’t it !

Don’t worry, fellows who learn practical playing, let them try and practice it !

At least we have now understood that there are such complicated notes which can be played by experts like in the starting gushing of violins in IR song “Aananda Raagam Ketkum Kaalam….” (Panneer Pushpangal) !

or the fast piano +violin piece coming in the Kaala Kaala Maaga Vazhum Kaadhalukku Naangal Arpanam…of Punnagai Mannan !

(By the way, what can be the time duration of those notes ?? )

Now, we are having enough information to understand a score sheet and the notes in terms of the name of the notes as well as the duration of the notes.

Scan mentally as many songs as possible and get the hang of it !

Also see some kind of grouping of notes existing (calculate the sum total of notes duration within a segment) and think of it !

We will talk about them later !