Post by Admin on Mar 23, 2016 15:21:27 GMT
Although there are differences in approach, there are a number of common elements that make a conductor clear, easy to work with, follow and understand.
For example:
Aim to put your stand low enough so that people can see your beating pattern and that it will not get in the way
Make eye contact with the players – even if they are not looking at you!
Know the music, and learn to listen to each individual part.
Approach pauses, tempo change etc in a way that is clear and easy to understand, and explain how you intend to approach these elements when required
Avoid repeating music over and over without giving feedback or specific comments
Explain the meaning and intention of the music – describe how you want it to be played as clearly and as succinctly as possible
Explain how the different parts relate to each other, if melodies are passed between instruments and explain harmonic direction
When you stop the group, give concise and direct feedback without long pauses or gaps.
The people in front of you have come to play after all!
When rehearsing different sections of the group, make sure that there are not long sustained gaps between playing for other sections in the group
After rehearsing a section, always practice the transition from the previous section to what has been rehearsed.
Often referred to as sorting out the corners – this is generally where lots of problems can occur
Try not to continue singing the melody for sustained amounts of time whilst the group is playing.
Not only is it off-putting for those close to you, it can quite often grate on and annoy those in the immediate vicinity!
Conduct the music, not the musicians!
For example:
Aim to put your stand low enough so that people can see your beating pattern and that it will not get in the way
Make eye contact with the players – even if they are not looking at you!
Know the music, and learn to listen to each individual part.
Approach pauses, tempo change etc in a way that is clear and easy to understand, and explain how you intend to approach these elements when required
Avoid repeating music over and over without giving feedback or specific comments
Explain the meaning and intention of the music – describe how you want it to be played as clearly and as succinctly as possible
Explain how the different parts relate to each other, if melodies are passed between instruments and explain harmonic direction
When you stop the group, give concise and direct feedback without long pauses or gaps.
The people in front of you have come to play after all!
When rehearsing different sections of the group, make sure that there are not long sustained gaps between playing for other sections in the group
After rehearsing a section, always practice the transition from the previous section to what has been rehearsed.
Often referred to as sorting out the corners – this is generally where lots of problems can occur
Try not to continue singing the melody for sustained amounts of time whilst the group is playing.
Not only is it off-putting for those close to you, it can quite often grate on and annoy those in the immediate vicinity!
Conduct the music, not the musicians!