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A technique wherein string players strike the strings with the wood of the bow, rather than with the hair. Conductors should indicate the switch to and from this technique clearly with hand gestures.

A technique that involves playing close to the bridge of a string instrument to produce a glassy, metallic sound. Conductors must gesture more intensely to reflect the increased energy and precision required.

Notes that are emphasized or played more forcefully than surrounding notes. Conductors should provide a clear preparatory gesture for accents to ensure precise and unified attacks across the ensemble.

A dynamic instruction meaning 'nothing', indicating a note or passage should fade to silence. Conductors typically indicate 'niente' by diminishing their gestural presence to almost nothing to reflect the vanishing sound.

A symbol indicating that the duration of a note, chord, or rest should be extended beyond its normal length. Conductors will hold their gesture until they decide to move on, maintaining eye contact with musicians for cues.

Unconventional ways of playing an instrument that create non-standard sounds. Conductors need to be familiar with these techniques to effectively cue and integrate them into the performance.

A playing technique where string instruments play with the bow over the fingerboard to produce a softer, more ethereal sound. Conductors should indicate the entry and exit of this technique with gentle hand gestures.

The practice of retuning the strings of a string instrument to alter its timbre. Conductors must take into account the changed pitch relationships and cue entries and exits with special attention to the new tuning.

A piano with objects placed on or between the strings, or some strings retuned, to produce altered sounds. Conductors should familiarize themselves with the specific sounds and cue the pianist accordingly.

A technique where string players move the bow in a circular motion to create a continuous, uninterrupted sound. Conductors should establish a clear signal for when players should initiate and cease this technique.

Indicates that the musician should use a mute on their instrument, altering the timbre. Conductors should visually cue the insertion and removal of the mute and adjust their gestures for the subdued sound produced.

Notes that fall between the traditional 12-tone equal temperament. Conductors must refine their ear for these intervals and devise specific gestures for indicating microtonal movements.

Notational symbols that indicate where wind players should take a breath. Conductors should plan these carefully to maintain musical phrasing and use subtle gestures to cue discreet breaths.

A chord that extends beyond the octave to include the eleventh degree of the scale. Conductors should clearly indicate the voicing and resolution of these extended harmonies with precise hand shapes and gestures.

A system where events are notated to occur within a specific time frame rather than at exact moments. Conductors will need to clock-watch and use flexible cuing to ensure coordinated entrances and exits within the time brackets.

A wind instrument technique where the musician rolls the tip of the tongue to produce a rapid 'frr' sound. Conductors should signal the start and stop of this effect, possibly using fluttering fingers or a rolling hand motion.

A continuous slide upwards or downwards between two notes. Conductors should use a smooth, sliding hand motion to express the nature of the glide from note to note.

A type of notation that indicates the amount of pressure to be applied by the bow on string instruments. Conductors must communicate these dynamics effectively, possibly by exaggerating their own arm tension or relaxation.

Music that incorporates elements of chance. Conductors must be prepared to cue loosely defined sections and be comfortable with a range of outcomes in the performance.

Indicates that a note should be raised by a quarter-tone. Conductors must signal these pitches with precision and ensure that players are prepared for the microtonal intonation challenge.

A technique where a wind player produces multiple notes at once. Conductors need to cue these complex sounds precisely and may use a broadening gesture to indicate the multiphonic texture.

A notation used when the length of a note, chord, or section is left to the discretion of the performer or conductor. This requires a level of interpretative freedom that conductors must communicate with open and relaxed gestures.

A technique where string players pluck the string so forcibly that it rebounds against the fingerboard, creating a distinct 'slapping' sound. Conductors should give a strong, percussive cue to match the accented nature of the technique.

Non-traditional score representations using symbols, shapes, or lines. Conductors must study and often interpret these in collaboration with the composer and performers to define conducting gestures.