Count five beats to each measure, with the quarter note getting one count. Accent the first beat of each measure, as in common or 4/4 time. Expect syncopation, or a change from this accent, from time to time, as the “Harvard Dictionary of Music” notes. The composer may indicate this variation by a written accent mark, a note tied over the bar line or by other means, such as a longer note on the second beat.
Place the secondary accent on the third beat of the measure when the composer has grouped the beats as a combination of two plus three, or on the fourth beat when the composer has grouped the beats as a combination of three plus two. Establish the composer’s intention by phrase marks, written accent marks or note lengths. Longer notes generally get more of an accent than shorter ones. Note that the combination of beats may change back and forth between two plus three and three plus two.
Perform music in 5/4-time with a metronome to get the feel for this unusual meter. Switch to performing without the metronome and tap your foot or count. Perform in an even tempo, except for expressive changes in the tempo.
Listen to a recording of music you want to perform in 5/4-time. Read along and perform with the music. Keep to the tempo of the recording. This exercise will help stop any tendency to change 5/4 into 4/4 by rushing some notes or to change it into 6/4 by inserting rests or pauses.
Perform music in 5/4-time with a group or choir. As this time signature occurs in many types of music, including jazz, orchestral music and choral music, you can find an opportunity to practice 5/4-time and improve in reading it no matter what kind of music you prefer.