How to become A Music Conductor

Music Conductors play a unique role in the musical world. They contribute no sound to performances themselves, either through playing an instrument or singing, yet they direct the ensemble of sounds others create. The entire orchestra or choir is their instrument, and they command the complete respect and meticulous attention of the musicians they conduct.

• Chief Conductor
• Principal Conductor
• Orchestral Conductor
• Choral Conductor
• Concert Band Conductor
• Ensemble Conductor
• Music Director
• Musical Director
• Choral Director
• Band Director
• Chorus Master
• Choirmaster
• Bandmaster
• Drum Major
• Maestro/Maestra
• Kapellmeister
• Dirigent/Dirigentin

What do Music Conductors do?

A Music Conductor would typically need to:

• Inspire, direct, and lead an ensemble of musicians and singers into delivering a creative rendition of one or more pieces of music; set the pace of the music so that all the performers can follow the same rhythm
• Be a consummate musician and know music so well that they can interpret the score of any composition to guide musicians with effective interpretations of tone, tempo, pitch, rhythm, phrasing, dynamics, the balance of harmonies, and other musical elements
• Use their hands, a baton, or both to indicate the musical sound variations and timing of compositions
• Lead a variety of ensembles such as symphony orchestras, dance or marching bands, theatre pit orchestras, film or recording studio bands, glee clubs, and choirs in different settings such as schools, churches, or cathedrals
• Learn interpretations of different musical styles; be skilled in music transcription, sight-reading, and keyboard facility
• Develop a unique and attractive stage presence that builds and sustains a public persona that reflects and communicates the positive emotional spirit and unity of the entire ensemble to the performers and the audience
• Decide on seasonal or special musical programs and select pieces to perform; develop ideas to transform a piece of music into the finished performance; audition elite musicians and guest artists
• Conduct rehearsals; train musicians on their specific parts and on balancing instruments and voices; provide feedback; present performances, directing musicians and performers through them by giving timings and cues
• Work often with non-profit boards of directors or other funding sources to coordinate finances and develop strategic management plans that insure annual or ongoing budgets; engage in general promotion and fundraising for the music ensemble they lead
• Have administrative skills and a firm grasp of business management practices; have excellent communication abilities and an understanding of the human psyche to bring sensitivity into their performances and relationships with ensemble members

A Music Conductor may work indoors in a school’s music room or auditorium, a recording studio, or a well-known concert hall or even outdoors on an open-air stage in a park. Amateur choirs typically rehearse and perform at the same venue, for instance, a church or a community centre. If you conduct an armed forces band, you would be enlisted and work at a specific base. If you conduct a professional orchestra or choir, you may rehearse with them at a fixed venue or travel for performances and competitions within the country or overseas.

The quality of facilities such as lighting, temperature and humidity control, sound equipment, and musical instruments depends on the venue. It could range from low grade to state-of-the-art.

There may not be any regular or set working hours. While you will frequently work during the evenings or on weekends, you will also need time at home to prepare for upcoming performances.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Music Conductors can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting ensembles, companies, and educational institutions directly, and leveraging social media. Jobs may typically not be advertised.

Find openings to conduct small ensembles, to begin with. Network with other Music Conductors and offer to assist them or guest conduct. Videos of you conducting are helpful to showcase your experience and skill.

Once you achieve name and fame, you will find yourself in great demand. You would frequently travel to direct orchestras and choirs as guest conductors.

Keep in mind, however, that freelancing is more frequent than finding permanent and full-time jobs.

Music Conductors are generally employed by:

• Public & Private Schools
• Conservatories
• Colleges & Universities
• Orchestras, Choruses, & Bands
• Summer Festivals
• Commu­nity Orchestras
• Local Opera Companies
• Professional Musical Theatre Groups
• Amateur Groups
• Famous Orchestras, Theatres & Opera Companies
• Recording Studios
• Broadcasting & Film Studios

Professional associations and organisations such as the Association for Medical Imaging Management (AHRA) are crucial for an MRI Technician interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Dealing with the multiple and complex temperaments and personalities characteristic of an ensemble of musicians and singers
• Physically demanding and stressful work
• Managing the complexity of conducting an orchestra and chorus together because two ensembles typically have a different sense of timing and many orchestras do not play precisely on the beat
• Not having authority yet controlling the musical interpretation of a piece is tricky for guest conductors due to their temporary relationship with the musicians on whose cooperation and performing skills they must depend
• The likelihood of being held accountable for much more than the performance of the musicians
• Often need to juggle responsibilities while on the road due to considerable travel time
• Complexities in the ways that orchestras are organised and managed

Most Music Conductors begin by training as musicians and doing voluntary work in conservatories and music schools, typically as assistant conductors. Sometimes, your teacher may let you assist them.

In a competitive field, apprenticeships and internships offer valuable opportunities to acquire hands-on experience and skills to equip you for assignments. Unions or organisations for conductors are a handy resource in your search for positions, as are online websites. Music festivals and community settings such as youth orchestras may also offer apprenticeships.

Competitions or starting your ensemble also bring you into the spotlight. A summer course in conducting would build your skills and network. Try to put together a portfolio with video recordings of your conducting assignments to present to prospective employers.

An aspiring Music Conductor typically holds proficiency in playing one or more musical instruments, making admission easier into your chosen music programme. A bachelor’s degree in music or composition is recommended, while a role as the conductor of a symphony orchestra may require a master’s degree. Courses in music conduction may be available at some universities. You could opt for a performance degree as well. Simultaneously learning one or more languages, such as French, Italian, or German, would come in handy while conducting choirs.

The areas where you live or wish to conduct music would determine the need for any additional qualifications. To teach in a school, for example, you would need a teacher’s license.

Individual government entities conduct licensing. It typically requires the passage of an examination in addition to the fulfilment of eligibility requirements, such as a minimum level of education, work experience, training, or the completion of an internship, residency, or apprenticeship.

Voluntary certification from an objective and reputed organisation is often seen as evidence of an individual’s drive and motivation and can help you gain professional credibility. It can also increase your confidence at work, encourage renewal, and allow you to become an independent consultant.

You may choose to teach and conduct simultaneously by pursuing a career in education at music colleges, departments of music at universities, or conservatories. You may become the Director of Music.

An orchestra is not organised on a hierarchical basis. You could move from assistant conductor to that of Concertmaster. With sufficient experience, you may move from conducting small community orchestras to working with famous and large national orchestras, choruses, opera companies, television, and film companies. Such advancement brings the Music Conductor sufficient recognition and quality reviews. Conductors may even rise to top-level administrative positions, such as Creative Director, Artistic Director or Executive Director.

The music industry is highly competitive. Exceptional musical talent, proficiency in instruments and conducting, and proof of dedication will enhance your job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is the holistic commitment of professionals towards enhancing personal skills and proficiency throughout their active careers through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. There are many CPD courses, seminars, and workshops on diverse topics, such as online musical leadership training, to help professionals in the field.

CPD allows individuals to upskill continually, regardless of their age, job, or level of knowledge. It prevents practical and academic qualifications from becoming outdated, will enable individuals to identify any knowledge gaps, and allows professionals the opportunity to progress to a new specialism.

A Brief Timeline of Timekeeping in Music

Timekeeping and music have ancient connections, although not necessarily clear. There likely existed various forms of conducting music - orally, using a scroll or pounding the floor with a long stick. The 18th century saw musicians, typically the organist, harpsichordist, or the chief of the first violinists, take on the duties of the “concertmaster”. Or it was the composer who also served as the conductor, however, only for his own compositions. During one period of time, the concertmasters tapped their feet, and a separate conductor clapped his hands or tapped a desk, not an ideal scenario for either the musicians or the audience.

Greek mythology mentions that something like a staff was probably used in ancient times. Batons found a place in conducting orchestral music in the eighth century and grew in popularity as orchestras grew larger. Some violinists in the 19th century used their violin bows to conduct. The baton became a widely accepted tool in the hands of a Music Conductor by the mid-19th century, although some still preferred to use their bare hands. The baton was initially large and similar to the instrument used by a drum major.

From being associated with opera only, concert music found its independence in the early 19th century. During the early days of conducting, Music Conductors faced the audience rather than the orchestra. Some also regularly cut and reorchestrated the compositions they conducted, a practice that has continued. Some conduc­tors eschewed the baton and used their bare hands. This practice was never widely adopted in modern times, although a few great conductors did prefer it. Another innovation was using the total score by Music Conductors instead of reading from the first violinist’s part.

It was in the 20th century that numerous excellent conductors came to the forefront of music, including women in the second half of the century. Several conducting styles also emerged in the 20th cen­tury, including extremely exhibitionistic ones. Some Music Conductors assumed full, autocratic command of the orchestra, insisting on strict obedience from the musicians in carrying out the conductor’s interpreta­tion of the music. Others were more flexible. Attempts to form conductorless orchestras to avoid temperamental or dictatorial Music Conductors were largely unsuccessful.

Variations in Technique, Style & Tone

Conducting is a highly individual art and skill, with no prescribed right or wrong ways. Their baton technique, along with arm and body movements, spotlights the uniqueness of Music Conductors. Some use reserved and minimal movements, while others use sweeping strokes and gestures. Styles are as varied as Music Conductors themselves and the scores they conduct. Contrasting methods produce equally spectacular results. Some Conductors go into a frenzy of emotion; others practice restraint. Some focus on every nuance of the score, others only on some parts during rehearsal. The sound of an orchestra is synonymous with the conductor, its tone a recognisable sig­nature. This aspect and quality of tone, in particular, is determined by how the conductor uses diverse orchestral sections, such as the brass section, which can create a range of sounds from bright, sharp, and piercing to rich, resonant, and heavy, or the strings that can alter the vibrato to produce a thick, lush tone or a thinner, more delicate sound.

Responsibility for Quality

Whatever the style or baton technique Music Conductors choose to adopt, the rehearsal techniques they use are considered the primary determinants of the quality of an ensemble’s musical output. Rehearsals are when they detect and correct the orchestra’s musical, interpretive, rhythmic, balance, and intonation problems. To achieve complete satisfaction with the ensemble’s readiness for performance, they work with each orchestral unit and the choir in entirety, including soloist instrumentalists and singers and the chorus.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing offers Music Conductors freedom regarding flexible schedules, working hours, and location. They have full ownership of the business and can afford selectivity in terms of the variety of projects and clients presented. While it has unlimited earning potential, freelancing comes with less stability and security, with inconsistent work and cash flow. There is more responsibility, effort, and risk involved. There are no paid holidays, and sick/maternity/paternity leaves are almost unaffordable. There is the added pressure of a self-employment tax and no eligibility for unemployment benefits.

A full-time Music Conductor, on the other hand, has access to company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Despite that, they are susceptible to potential boredom and inability to pursue passion projects due to their lack of time or effort. With a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety, there is also a need to budget extra money for commuting and attire costs.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Traditionally, the right hand indicates the tempo and time signature through a consistent beat pattern. The left hand provides expressive and dynamic information and cues entrances and cutoffs.

Perhaps you always knew you wanted to conduct, or maybe it was a revelation as you studied music at college. Either way, you are never done learning as a Music Conductor. Each musical performance that you conduct prepares you better for the next one. The journey is challenging, but then the perks include travelling to different locations, meeting new people, and, above all, listening to and conducting a range of musicians from around the world.

Be proactive, resilient, and honest with yourself but get rid of self-pity. Find opportunities to conduct and learn through making plenty of mistakes. Rely on trusted colleagues to tell you what they need. Don’t be in a rush. Choose your speciality - orchestra, musicals, or movies - so that you can find your way to it.