How to Count a Half Rest
A half or minim rest resembles top hat in your sheet music. Half rests sit on the middle line of a staff and hold the same value as a half note. To observe a half rest, you must refrain from playing for half the count of a whole note. The notes played prior to the half rest should be released and silence should last for the count of a half note.
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Instructions
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Begin by noting the time signature. For this example, use a 4/4 time signature, indicating there are four beats per measure with the quarter note setting the beat.
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Count the beats per measure as "one-and, two-and, three-and, four-and." If you use a metronome, set it to a comfortable quarter note beat and use the same method of counting.
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Play your instrument on the first beat and hold through the second beat. You will count "one-and, two-and" while playing your instrument.
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Release the note after the second beat of the measure.
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Refrain from playing your instrument on the third beat. You will not play any notes during the counts of "three-and, four-and."
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Start a new measure by playing your instrument on the first and second beats, then refrain from playing on the third and fourth beats.
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Continue practicing half notes and observing half rests until you are comfortable counting both.
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Tips & Warnings
Using a metronome does not mean that you don't need to count the beats per measure; it simply means that your beats are consistent. You still must pay attention to your time signature and the beat you are playing within the measure.
