Lesson 3: Following a Conductor

What do the conductor’s hands tell us?

How do we respond to changes in tempo or dynamics?

Conductor, cue, entrance, cut-off, tempo change, dynamics

NAfME 2.2: Respond to basic conductor cues

NAfME 2.4: Adjust performance based on leadership and signals

Students practice following visual cues to play together as an ensemble.

Students may anticipate entrances instead of waiting for the cue.

Students may overreact to the conductor and lose tempo.

Start with hand signals only, then add full conducting gestures.

Pair visual cues with verbal counting for students needing extra support.

• Teacher observation of timely entrances and following cues.

• Simple performance using conductor-led exercises.