On-the-Beat Note (or rest): Any note (or rest) ranging in value from a full beat down, which calls for musical action (or inaction) synchronously with the conductor's beat.
After-the-Beat Note: Any note in a beat-group which indicates that a tone is to be sounded after the beginning, and before or at the middle of the pulse.
Before-the-Beat Note: Any note in a beat-group which indicates that a tone is to be sounded after the middle of the pulse.
To illustrate terminology and to differentiate between Pulse and Beat as terms, respectively of ear and eye, the following is submitted:
Whenever a brief tone involves the musical idea of syncopation, it may be regarded as an after-the-pulse tone and the note that calls for it as an after-the-beat note; when it involves the idea of anticipation or preparation it may be regarded as a before-the-pulse tone, and the note that calls for it, as a before-the-beat note.
Measure and Meter
"What is the measure-sign?"
"What is the meter-signature?"
These two words are used synonymously, and one of them is unnecessary. The Committee recommends that Measure be retained and used. Meter has its use in connection with hymns.