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4.4.1: Compound Triple Meter Conducting Pattern

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    258484
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    Conducting Triple Meter

    Just as we used a triple conducting pattern to conduct in simple triple meter, we also use a triple conducting pattern to conduct compound triple meter. Again, we need the upbeat to come from the outside of the body toward a neutral middle of the body. The best way for this to happen is to place beat two off to the outside.

    This triple conducting pattern is often described as being a triangle shape where one point is straight in front of you at about waist level, the second point is out to the right, and the third point is at the top closer to shoulder level. The reality is that a conducting pattern is never quite this angular and strict.

    As the hand comes down for beat one, there is a little "bounce" as we move to beat two. You might think of it as down-out-up as you practice this pattern.

    Triple meter conducting pattern with arrows to show down, out, and up

    The difference is that we will feel three parts to each of these beats instead of an even number of parts to each 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 Triple (9/8) (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

    Attribution, 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 4.4.1: Compound Triple 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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