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A computer music system that follows a human conductor

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information was found from this site and wikipedia

• What is conducting?

  Conducting is the act of directing a musical performance by way of visible gestures.

• What does the conductor do?

  The primary responsibilities of the conductor are to set the tempo, execute clear preparations and beats, and to listen critically and shape the sound of the ensemble.

  An understanding of the basic elements of musical expression (tempo, dynamics, articulation) and the ability to communicate them effectively to an ensemble is necessary in order to conduct.

  The second hand may be used for cueing the entrances of individual players or sections, and to aid indications of dynamics, phrasing, expression, and other elements.

  Some conductors use both hands to indicate the beat, with the left hand mirroring the right, though others view this as redundant and therefore to be avoided. This is also seen as improper practice by many. The second hand may be used for cueing the entrances of individual players or sections, and to aid indications of dynamics, phrasing, expression, and other elements.

  Dynamics can be fine-tuned using various gestures: showing one's palm to the performers or leaning away from them may demonstrate a decrease in volume. In order to adjust the overall balance of the various instruments or voices, these signals can be combined or directed towards a particular section or performer.

• The Horizontal, Vertical and Intensity Planes

  The horizontal, vertical and intensity planes mark out the space in which conducting gestures take place. Although there is some variation among conductors in this respect, the horizontal plane (from the left to the right of the body) is generally set at the chest area.

  The vertical plane is centred slightly to the right of centre in front of the right shoulder. It extends from the conductor’s waist to the top of the head. Some textbooks on conducting suggest that the focus point, or fulcrum, where these two planes meet is also the general area where the left hand should rest when not in use.

• Musical Terms

  Beat - A beat is the basic time unit of a piece of music; for example, each tick sounded by a metronome would correspond to a beat.

  Upbeat - The upward stroke made by a conductor to indicate the beat that leads into a new measure.

  Downbeat - is the first beat of a measure in music, the impulse that occurs at the beginning of a bar in measured music. It is named after the downward stroke of the director or conductor's baton at the start of each measure.

  Dynamics - normally refers to the volume of a sound or note.

  Cueing - The indication of entries, when a performer or section should begin playing.

Obtained from this link
The conductor uses his hands, arms, body, head and face to keep the performers together and to encourage them to give the very best performance possible.

1. Preparation. To show the musicians what the music is going to sound like before they perform it. With gesture, the conductor indicates the tempo, volume, articulation and exact starting time of the next beat. He also shows you who performs the beat (cues). When he does this to start the piece, it usually includes a model of the breath you should take.
   1. Tempo. Through the speed of the gesture.
   2. Volume. Through the size of the gesture.
   3. Articulation. Through the angle and "weight" of the gesture.
   4. Starting Moment. Through a breath and the predictable speed of the gesture.
   5. Cue. By looking at the performers involved. Note that the conductor does not have to be looking at you when you begin singing a note, as long as he prepared you to come in.
2. Contrast. The conductor shows the musicians how the next note, measure, or phrase is different from the last.
3. Style. The conductor is a physical representation of what the music sounds like and feels like to the audience.
4. Pulse. Using established beat patterns the conductor shows the pulse and what beat you are on in the measure.
5. Clarity & Economy. The conductor should communicate only what he intends to communicate and only what you need. No more, no less.
6. Listening. The conductor is your ears. The conductor is the only one who can hear what the group sounds like. The conductor is charged with making adjustments as needed to perfect the performance.