Getting Rhythmic

Looking to sharpen your rhythm or try a new time signature? We found 14 pieces with unusual meters—like 5/4, 3/2, 7/8, and beyond—with some also offering the challenge of shifting between them. Download one or more today and give your rhythm skills a workout!

(Titles marked with an * are playable on lever harp.)

*A Change in Time

Meg Robinson

As the title suggests, this piece by Meg Robinson features an ever-changing time signature. That’s right, the time signature changes every measure! It moves seamlessly between 6/8, 3/4, and cut time. Robinson says the piece “is almost like a meditation for the brain.”

*Kora

Mitch Landy

This mesmerizing piece is set primarily in 12/8 time, with a brief shift to 6/4. Composer Mitch Landy says the etude is reminiscent of West African music, featuring repeated notes and intricate cross-rhythms.

*Whirling thoughts

Samira Memarzadeh

Inspired by Anatolian melodies, this piece by Samira Memarzadeh is set in 7/8 time and evokes the swirling motion and spiritual energy of whirling dervish dances. I had to watch a video of these dances myself to truly grasp the feeling and I highly recommend doing the same if you decide to learn this piece!

*Gone South

Laura Zaerr

This playful and joyous piece shifts between 6/8, 2/4, 5/8, and 4/4, while also giving the player extra rhythmic practice with two-against-three patterns. Its lively character makes it as fun to play as it is to hear.

*At Journey’s End

Philip Hayden

Have you ever played a piece without a time signature? That’s exactly what you’ll find here. Marked “unrushed,” composer Philip Hayden invites the performer to let the music flow effortlessly from measure to measure. The piece is both beautiful and peaceful, and has Celtic elements.

*My Lagan Love

arr. Frances M. Thiele

This traditional Irish tune, arranged by Frances M. Thiele, is set in 3/2, which makes the melodies feel a little more drawn-out, almost like an enchanting lullaby.

*Hoy Nazan

arr. Samira Memarzadeh

Translating to “Hey My Dear,” this traditional Armenian song, arranged by Samira Memarzadeh, is set in 12/4 time. The A melody evokes the gentle charm of a music box or lullaby, while the B melody is more somber and driving. Get your left hand ready for an arpeggio workout!

Pentagonal Dance

D. Geoffrey Bell

Brand-new to Harp Column Music, this piece by D. Geoffrey Bell was the inspiration for this blog. While most waltzes are in 3/4, this distinctive waltz is set in 5/4, giving it an unexpected rhythmic twist. The melodies are delightful, though harpists should be prepared for a fair amount of double right-side pedaling.

Eddies

Laura Zaerr

Ready for a rhythmic workout? This captivating piece by Laura Zaerr is set in 11/16 and features repeating motives, ethereal harmonics, and flowing sixteenth notes. Its hypnotic patterns make it both challenging and rewarding to play.

Rachenitsa

arr. Angela Madjarova

Arranged by Angela Madjarova, this traditional Bulgarian folk tune is set in 7/8, offering a spirited rhythmic challenge. Frequent key changes, full-harp glissandos, and large rolled chords give it more of a concert-like flair compared to your normal folk song.

Danza Cubana

Alfredo Rolando Ortiz

While 2/4 may not be the most unusual time signature, this original work by Alfredo Rolando Ortiz is, like much of his music, pure rhythmic fun. Packed with flair and drama, it features lively syncopation, bold rolled chords, and crisp accented notes that bring the Cuban spirit to life.

Jukebox

Andy Scott

This inventive six-movement work by Andy Scott captures the spirit of a jukebox with short musical “tracks” in a variety of styles, moods, and time signatures. The first few movements explore 2/2 time and my favorites are “Groove” and “Stylus.”

Next Stop!

Uno Alexander Vesje

Inspired by the bustling sounds of a train station, this rhythmic piece by Uno Alexander Vesje explores a variety of time signatures—from 4/4 and 2/4 to 6/4, 7/4, 8/4, and 12/8—capturing the atmosphere of waiting for the next departure.

Krivo sadovsko horo

arr. Youliana Tochkova-Patrouillea

This lively Bulgarian folk tune, arranged by Youliana Tochkova-Patrouillea, features an unusual 9/8 + 2/4 time signature that creates a distinctive rhythmic pulse. Don’t worry—an audio sample is provided to help you feel the beat. Soundboard knocking, rhythmic left-hand glissandi, and lightning-fast arpeggio sections add to the excitement and challenge.