- Definition
In music, "compound metre" means that the main beats you feel in a song can each be divided into three smaller, equal parts, like in a waltz where you might count "ONE-and-a-TWO-and-a-THREE-and-a.
A tune in 6/8 can often be felt as two main beats in each bar, each divided into three smaller beats.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Compound metre is like the rhythm of a jig or a gallop, where each main beat feels like it has three smaller beats tucked inside.
Ask your child: Can you tap a beat that feels like a waltz or a gallop?
Common mix-up: Kids often see the '6' in 6/8 and think there are six beats. The key is to feel those six notes grouped into two main beats, each with a 'one-two-three' pulse.
Examples
- The nursery rhyme 'Hush, Little Baby' uses a compound metre, giving it a gentle, rocking feel.
- Many Irish jigs are in a compound metre, which gives them their characteristic bouncy, dance-like rhythm.
compound metre is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
