If you think of denominators in fractions this may help you remember this (1/4 is a quarter, 1/2 is a half, and 1/8 is an eighth, etc…).
This can only be numbers associated with actual rhythmic notes. The most common misconception is that a 3 can appear in the bottom of the time signature, representing triplets. This IS NOT true as triplets are not their own note, they are alterations of quarter notes, eighth notes, and less common others.
This is often the note that gets the beat, such as , , and , but in the case of (cut time) or meter that uses eighth notes like , , and this may not be the case. Here are the most common possible numbers used in the bottom of the time signature. If the number 2 is on the bottom of the time signature it represents a half note. If the number 8 is on the bottom of the time signature it represents an eighth note.

The top number represents how many of the note represented by the bottom number fits into a measure.

The most common numbers to appear in the top are 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, and 12, but in theory any number could appear in the top of the time signature.
This number can represent how many beats are in a measure (again, most commonly in , , and , and other simple meters) but is not always the case, especially in (cut time) or most compound meter (, , and ).

CONDUCTING EXPECTATIONS BASED ON METER:

Here are some examples of various common meters and how they are conducted:

Often referred to as common time, this means there are four quarter notes per measure. This is most often conducted in a four pattern, indicating there are four beats per measure.

This means there are three quarter notes per measure. This is most often conducted in a three pattern, indicating there are three beats per measure, however, in faster tempos this can be conducted in a one pattern. When conducted in one a dotted half note will get the beat.

This means there are two half notes per measure. This is most often conducted in a two pattern, indicating there are two beats per measure. Again, because a 2 is in the bottom of the time signature, a half note is now the unit of measurement instead of the usual quarter note.

This means there are six eighth notes per measure, however, this is rarely conducted with a six pattern. This meter is generally conducted in two, with a dotted quarter note getting the beat.

This means there are twelve eighth notes per measure. This meter is generally conducted in four, with a dotted quarter note getting the beat.

EFFECTIVE PRACTICE:

What 3 things do you need to practice effectively?

Create a routine
1. Long tones, flexibilities, scales, articulations
Set specific goals for music you’re learning
1. Short and attainable
Reflect on your practice

MAJOR TO MINOR

Parallel Minor
- Same tonic (starting pitch) as major with a lowered 3, 6, 7
Relative Minor
- Same key signature starting on the 6th scale degree of the relative major