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4.3.1: Compound Duple Meter Conducting Pattern

  • Page ID
    258482
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    Conducting Duple Meter

    Just as we used a duple conducting pattern to conduct a simple duple meter, we also use the duple conducting pattern to conduct compound duple meter.

    Since we have a pattern of two, each beat is either a strong downbeat or the upbeat preparation. In order for the upbeat to have an upward motion from the outside of the body, we end up with a pattern that looks a little like a backwards "J" when using our right hand.

    Duple conducting pattern from both directions

    The difference is that we feel three parts to each of the two beats instead of an even number of parts to the beat.

    Practical Application

    One of the best ways to get a good feel for meter is by listening and conducting along with the music. There are many different options for practicing. Users on Spotify have created playlists that include quite a few song options in compound duple meter (link opens in a new window). You can either search for a playlist on your own, or use this QR code to access a playlist.

    QR code for the link above

    Conducting pattern: Foundations of Aural Skills Copyright © 2022 by Timothy Chenette is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License


    This page titled 4.3.1: Compound Duple Meter Conducting Pattern is shared under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Lauren C. Sharkey.

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