Changing Time Signatures

Are there certain time signatures that seem to transition into certain others more easily, or can you go from one to any other,

from simple to compound time, from 9/8 to 2/4...

What are some techniques for transitioning smoothly from one time signature to another, or does it just depend on the effect

you are going for as to whether it's smooth or abrupt?

You can transition to whatever you like.

There are no limits considering time signature shifts and changes. You should study Olivier Messiaen, Igor Stravinski and Eliot Carter.

You can do the following:

1. have different parts in different meters

2. use poly rythmns.

3. switch between more than two meters.

4. or any combination of the above.

Thus, I agree with what has been said before.

Here is an example, where in the "Rite of Spring", of changing time singautes for you examine:

You may also check many Bartók pieces, from Mikrokosmos to his Piano Concerts. You'll see MANY MANY changes in time signature (and even not very used ones, like 1/4). If you want a less "aggressive" aproach to time signature changes, listen to Scriabin's Op. 11, Prelude No. 21 in Bb. It changes time signature almost every measure very smoothly, as (I believe) you wanted.

That's such a broad question and impossible to answer broadly. The answer will change drastically depending on the context.

I haven't checked this thread in a while. Thought everyone was done replying.

I don't even know what a hemiola is off the top of my head. Still a beginner.

I just thought there might be some general rules and guidelines to follow seeing how there are musical rules for everything else.