Conducting Patterns

The six conducting shapes for 1 through 6 beats per bar, with the anatomy of a beat and how the gesture communicates dynamics and style.

What's inside

• Conducting patterns for 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 5 beats per bar, drawn as the conductor sees them
• Which other time signatures each pattern also covers, e.g. 2/4 also used for 6/8 quick
• The anatomy of a beat — preparation, ictus, rebound, cut-off
• How gesture size shows dynamics, shape shows articulation, and the left hand stays free for cues