Conduct Orchestral Music

One of the most important parts of any band or orchestra is the Conductor. This one person can make or break the sound of the music. They have to know every facet of music and study many years learning most major instruments. They have to be able to hear from within, what each instrument will bring to the music. Musicians watch the conductor intently, and if he makes just one wrong movement, the entire musical piece will change.

Steps

  1. Study and memorize the music you're going to conduct to the best of your ability. This means that, in addition to knowing instinctively the instrumentation (so you may cue your players if you wish to), you must also understand the phrasing, dynamics, balance as well as the harmonic, textual and historical underpinnings of your piece.
  2. Apply yourself to the music. Explore new emotional depth and develop your own style. Easier said than done, this is what distinguishes the great conductors from the mediocre ones. You will be spending the majority of your lifetime perfecting and developing your own style. When you feel ready, suggest the piece to the orchestra.
  3. Use what available rehearsal time you have to convey your vision to the players. Be prepared to defend your positions if they disagree with you on certain interpretive aspects. You might want to consider their suggestions as well.
  4. Perform the piece at a professional concert venue. Be ready to improvise during mid-concert if needed – after all, all great performances possess in them in a hint of uncertainty.
  5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 for each new piece of music you plan to conduct.



Tips

  • Lastly, it never hurts to be able to play as many instruments as possible. This way, you can give specific instructions on bowing, tonguing, mallets to use, etc. The legendary conductor Victor de Sabata, in a rehearsal of Respighi's 'Pines of Rome in London', demonstrated the bowing and fingering of the high cello part in the first movement by playing it -- without even a glance at the part. The pianist asked for advice about the solo cadenza, which de Sabata also played by heart. In the rehearsal interval, he asked the flicorni for the final movement to play their brass fanfares. They did. 'What are you playing?' he asked. 'It is an octave higher.' 'Can't be done, Maestro.' ... The Maestro borrowed one of their instruments and blew the correct notes in the right octave.
  • Talent helps, but you must be willing to work hard and spend long nights alone by the piano in order to truly succeed.
  • When conveying your interpretations, always speak in a serious and sincere tone. If necessary, ask players to mark in your suggestions/changes on their music. Make sure they use a pencil, not a pen, so that any marking can be erased later on if needed.
  • Always acknowledge outstanding players during the applause. They worked hard and deserve to be recognized by the audience.
  • Observe other conductors. A great place for additional conducting tips is http://www.tetonmusic.com/conducting.htm
  • Establish good relationships with your key players: have a meal with the concertmaster, watch movies with the principal cellist, play poker with the wind section, etc.

Warnings

  • In some orchestras (such as the Vienna Philharmonic), cueing is considered offensive to the players.
  • Never show weakened authority! While it is good to appear as an easygoing and nice person in other areas, you can never be easygoing with music! (depending on which type of music).

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