Lecture Notes: Conducting Patterns

Instructor: Michelle Willis

Overview

• This segment of the lecture focuses on simple conducting patterns.
• Three main patterns discussed:
  1. Four-Four (4/4) Pattern
  2. Three-Four (3/4) Pattern
  3. Two-Four (2/4) Pattern

Conducting Patterns

1. Four-Four (4/4) Pattern

• Beats per Measure: 4
• Pattern Movement:
  • Start at the top of the conducting window.
  • Move down to the waist.
  • Go across the body.
  • Move outwards and then upwards to complete the cycle.
• Count: 1, 2, 3, 4
• Practice:
  • Right hand demonstration by instructor.
  • Left hand demonstration for student to mirror.

2. Three-Four (3/4) Pattern

• Beats per Measure: 3
• Pattern Movement:
  • Start at the top of the conducting window.
  • Move down to the waist.
  • Move outwards.
  • Move upwards to complete the cycle.
• Count: 1, 2, 3
• Practice:
  • Right hand demonstration by instructor.
  • Left hand demonstration for student to mirror.

3. Two-Four (2/4) Pattern

• Beats per Measure: 2
• Pattern Movement:
  • Start at the top of the conducting window.
  • Move out to the side of the body (backwards J motion).
  • Move upwards to complete the cycle.
• Count: 1, 2
• Practice:
  • Right hand demonstration by instructor.
  • Left hand demonstration for student to mirror.

Summary

• Practicing these patterns involves mirroring the instructor's movements.
• Patterns help in managing the rhythm and flow of music during conducting.
• Each pattern starts at the top of the conducting window but varies in movement to accommodate the specific beats per measure.

Conclusion

• Understanding and practicing these basic conducting patterns is essential for conducting music with various time signatures.