Comments on: A Career in Instrumental Conducting: 7 Key Issues

By: MajoringInMusic

MajoringInMusic — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 17:06:03 +0000

In reply to Willy. Many college/university band conductors start out as music education undergraduates. Since there are many conducting programs for graduate students and since this is such a competitive field, we encourage you to look at graduate training in conducting to prepare to be a better fit for working in this field. You can use the “Find Schools That Fit Your Interest” feature on MajoringInMusic.com to learn about schools we work with that offer conducting. Check out their audition/submission requirements for grad programs in conducting. You can also visit the College Band Directors National Association website to learn much more about this field.

By: Willy

Willy — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 05:36:07 +0000

When college and universities hire band directors, is it better to have an M.M. in music education or wind/band conducting?

By: MajoringInMusic

MajoringInMusic — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 00:19:27 +0000

In reply to Robert Massman. Great to hear that you take advantage of attending these concerts - they’re a great free or low-cost way to experience quality music and the musicians who will keep the music flowing. Thank you for sharing!

By: Robert Massman

Robert Massman — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 02:33:17 +0000

I have a job that keeps me on the road 43 weeks out of the year. In the evenings, I find college and high school band and orchestra concerts to attend. It fills the soul with good music, and it gives me an opportunity to feel the pulse of the next generation–which I think is going to be just fine.
If you want to see incredible conducting at a high school I have found in Plano, Texas, watch the following. Two things about this clip: 1) the orchestra (11th and 12th graders) is EXCELLENT, and the young conductor knows how to engage with the orchestra. Enjoy. (By the way, there are some excellent high school orchestras around the country.This one happens to be one that I never miss when I’m in NE Texas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alg522n62rs

By: MajoringInMusic

MajoringInMusic — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 20:45:48 +0000

In reply to Trenton. There are several career directions you can go in as a conductor, and the necessary training and experience needed relates to the area of conducting you’re interested in pursuing. In general, to our knowledge, there is no single path to a career in conducting. You’ll see conductors with teaching degree backgrounds (helpful for understanding instruments other than one's own plus pedagogical training) in addition to advanced performance degrees where they gain more technical proficiency plus more experience performing collaboratively in ensembles and orchestras. An advanced degree in conducting offers opportunities for mentoring from an experienced conductor with pedagogical training, language skills and (hopefully) communication and group dynamic skills training. And opportunities along the way to put all of this training into practice are essential.

By: Trenton

Trenton — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 22:49:41 +0000

Is it possible or frowned on to get a Master’s Degree in instrumental performance, then get a DMA in conducting?

By: Hannah

Hannah — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 01:56:39 +0000

Thank you so much! This is very helpful and helps to build my confidence!

By: William Savola

William Savola — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 12:30:49 +0000

Conduct the music – State of mind, body posture and body language, must be relevant to the music score. Meaningful visual communication earns the respect of musicians and audience. Avoid lecturing. “Conduct the music.” Let mind, mood, eyes and breath, indicate tempo and control attacks and releases. Adjust balance and keep the melody to the fore. The conductor who conducts “the music” influences by empathy the very breathing of a chorus and the orchestra’s winds section. Experienced string players will adjust bowing and percussionists will select appropriate mallets to reflect a well defined mood and spirit. Attentive musicians follow by empathy. Audience will equate meaningful gesture to an unique performance and a memorable event. William Savola ref: YouTube.com/user/williamsavola

By: Pedro

Pedro — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 14:06:45 +0000

Excellent information!

By: Wayne

Wayne — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 19:24:09 +0000

Thanks for this important information. I agree strongly with Franz Krager. I add – learn several languages and explore the analysis of gesture begun by Hideo Saito.

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 06:27:54 +0000

Great piece! A great conductor must ‘play’ the music with the orchestra as one voice. For up and comers it is important to practice constantly, and I recommend in front of a mirror in order to develop and perfect your technique. Also, watch and emulate the Masters at every opportunity. There is no substitute for having command of the score. My best to all who pursue this path!

By: MajoringInMusic

MajoringInMusic — Tue, 13 Jan 2015 18:04:11 +0000

In reply to Thomas. Thanks for your feedback and so glad to hear what you say!

By: Thomas

Thomas — Tue, 13 Jan 2015 11:35:20 +0000

Very nice article! This info is helpful and right on the money.