Rhythmic values refer to the duration of notes and rests in music, indicating how long each sound or silence should be held. Common rhythmic values include whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, and eighth notes, each representing a specific fraction of a measure in a given time signature. Understanding rhythmic values is essential for musicians, as they help create the timing and flow of a piece. By combining different rhythmic values, composers can produce varied rhythms, adding interest and complexity to their music. This knowledge is foundational for reading and performing musical scores accurately.