If the conductor had to give directions to the orchestra using words, he'd need to speak so loudly that you'd hardly hear the music! Instead, he uses his right arm to tell the musicians which beat they are playing in each measure,and his left arm to describe to them how he would like them to play. He also gives feedback to the musicians by making eye contact with them and making facial expressions to show his reaction to their playing.
Think you've got what it takes to be a conductor?
Try these conducting patterns below. Place your mouse at one of the starting points below and trace over each of the lines as if you are playing "connect-the dots" (1-2-3-4). Repeat each pattern several times until you know it by heart. Then grab a pencil and try to "trace" the pattern in the air.
A conductor would follow this pattern if the musicians were playing a piece with four beats per measure.
A conductor would follow this pattern if the musicians were playing a piece with two beats per measure.
A conductor would follow this pattern if the musicians were playing a piece with three beats per measure.
Take the Maestro Academy Challenge:
Now that you've mastered tracing these right arm movements with the mouse and conducting in the air with the pencil, let's learn to ask the orchestra to play louder and softer.
Imagine the beautiful sounds of the orchestra. To make the whole group louder, raise your left hand up in the air with your palm facing toward you. To make the whole group softer, put your left hand down in front of you so that your palm is toward the floor.
Is one person playing too quietly? Make a motion to him or her as if you are asking them to come toward you. Is one person playing too loudly? Make a motion as if you are a crossing guard saying "stop".
What's so tricky about all of this? The Maestro has to do both jobs (giving the beat with the right hand AND giving cues with the left hand) at the same time!
You can practice these skills while listening to different types of music.
Click on the radio for more live conducting practice. You can select Classical or any other type of music to practice your skills.
Click the button with the triangle above to give it a try.
Click the button with the triangle above to give it a try.
Click the button with the triangle above to give it a try.
