Syncopation

Syncopation occurs when rhythms do not follow the regular pattern of emphasis in a measure. To the ear, it sounds similar to when the natural emphasis of language is not followed (for example, in English we say EM-pha-sis, not em-PHA-sis). Instead of following the expected pattern, sympcopated rhythms emphasize off-beats, the halfway points between two beats. Since eighth notes usually divide the beat in half, it is common for syncopation to occur in rhythms that use eighth notes.

Syncopation

excerpt from the jazz standard "The Best is Yet to Come" showing syncopated rhythms

the sound clip includes a percussion track to help demonstrate the relationship between the beat and the rhythms

"Music is nothing else but wild sounds civilized into time and tune." - Thomas Fuller

"After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." - Aldous Huxley

"Music in the soul can be heard by the universe." - Lao Tzu

"Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy." - Ludwig van Beethoven

"Music is the movement of sound to reach the soul for the education of its virtue." - Plato

"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." - Victor Hugo

"Music is nothing else but wild sounds civilized into time and tune." - Thomas Fuller