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By Curtis Madigan 4/2/2019 and updated 8/2/2024
Hemiola as traditionally defined is confusing due to the misunderstandings around what it is at its essence. The word hemiola comes from the Greek hemiolia and refers to the ratios 3:2 and 1.5:1. The original meaning was a perfect fifth which is created from the ratio of 3:2 in the overtone series. Here’s an example of an often quoted definition, now outdated, of what hemiola means:
The above definition is that given by Merriam Webster. What this definition fails to mention is the correlations between hemiolas and polyrhythms as well as the numerous relationships between rhythms. These are outlined in extraordinary detail in the higher levels of the Sound Formation Method™ workbooks (Levels 5 and above). The traditional definitions of many rhythmic concepts are failing musicians completely as rhythm has historically not been systematically understood in the west as you can see by this definition of rhythm in the Encyclopedia Britannica.
The Definition of Hemiola
Hemiola is one of many rhythmic definitions that must be updated in order to understand and easily describe patterns that make up an enormous amount of rhythms across all genres. As part of the taxonomy and codification of rhythm I’ve created, hemiola can be easily described by ratio, with or without syncopation or elision, and whether it contains accent displacement or not. See the graphic below for 3:2, 6:4, and 12:8 hemiolas.
Relegating hemiola to the traditional and now outdated definition leaves a huge amount of rhythmic patterns with no terms to describe them which is why hemiola is often barely mentioned in studying music with any book, approach, or institution. Updating the definition of hemiola as has already been done in my Sound Formation Method™, allows us to concisely describe a huge amount of rhythmic phenomena and easily classify an extensive vocabulary of sounds. Universities are now working towards adopting these concepts.
Watch an Example of a 6:8 Elision Hemiola Used as a Compositional Vehicle in the Melody of This Original Piece
If you’d like to learn more about hemiolas, rhythm theory, and how to take your playing to the next level contact us here. If you’re interested in becoming a Sound Formation Certified Teacher visit this page. For colleges and universities ready to start exploring having this theory of rhythm at your institution.
