U beats ('d' articulation) vs. V beats ('t' articulation)

In this lecture you'll learn:

  • The basic shapes of beats and influence on the sound
  • How to conduct U beats and V beats
  • Where to apply U beats and V beats in music


Why You Need to Learn It

  • To show the appropriate articulation for the music
  • So you have a wide variety of expressive possibilities (musical flexibility)

What Will Happen if You Don't Learn It

  • You may have a single default articulation that may contradict the music
  • Sound may not be what the music asks for
  • Your conducting might conflict with your verbal instructions

U Beats vs. V Beats

  • The bottom of the beat can be a U or V shape
  • U, rounded shape gives a 'd' articulation - da, doh, doo
  • V beats give 't' articulation - ta, toh, too
  • Shapes can be done with fingers, wrist, elbow and shoulder

Common Issue

  • All V beats - music is all heavy, with hard articulation (often associated with locked wrist and all movement in elbow hinge)

Action Step

  1. Practice V beats and U beats isolating each hinge one by one


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