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We use this sheet in our music classes at TLB Music when we teach conducting patterns to our students.   It’s a fun way to introduce time signature to children by attaching a physical motion to each signature, making it easy to remember the rhythms.  You can use anything you’d like as your conducting batons when practicing with your kids!  In class, we use mallets turned backwards before graduating to the big baton. Pencils, straws, or your finger will work just as well!

Begin by explaining what a conductor does: A conductor leads and directs an orchestra or musical group using hand movements and a baton.  They help set the tempo, shape the sound and unify the group!  To start the exercise, count out loud to each signature, stressing the downbeat (the first note of each measure) to get the feel of counting in 2, 3, and 4.  For example, when counting aloud to your 3/4 time signature, you might notice that 1 2 3, 1 2 3, 1 2 3 sounds like a waltz.  That’s because waltzes are written in 3/4 time!  Before conducting in the air, count aloud and use your finger to trace each conducting pattern on the sheet.  Next- time to conduct! Here are a couple songs for each signature:

2/4 : “The Clock” Symphony (Haydn) and Bacchanalle from Samson and Delilah (Saint-Saens)
3/4 : Waltz in A Flat (Brahms) and La Donna e Mobile from Rigoletto (Verdi)
4/4 : Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (Mozart) and Spring from The Four Seasons (Vivaldi)