Conducting for Composers

SCHEDULE

July 6 - 11

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Day 1: Fundamentals of Conducting & Basic Techniques
Objective: Understand the foundational skills of conducting and how they relate to composing.

• Session 1: Posture and Basic Beat Patterns

  • Introduction to conducting stance and posture.

  • Practicing 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 beat patterns.

  • Coordination between arms and body movement.

• Session 2: Understanding Gesture & Dynamics

  • Explore the connection between gestures and musical expression.

  • Learn to convey dynamics (e.g., crescendos, decrescendos) through gestures.

• Session 3: Cueing Instruments and Sections

  • Techniques for cueing different sections of the ensemble.

  • How to prepare cues in advance to ensure precision.

Day 2: Score Preparation & Analysis
Objective: Learn how to prepare a conductor's score and analyze a score from the perspective of a conductor.
Duration: 3 hours

• Session 1: Reading and Marking Scores

  • Marking essential reminders on cues, transitions, and tempo changes.

• Session 2: Orchestral Balance and Instrumentation

  • Analyzing how to balance the ensemble through conducting.

  • Understanding how different timbres and dynamic levels affect the interpretation of the score.

• Session 3: Conducting from Your Own Score

  • Practice conducting moments with prepared score sections, focusing on tempo and phrasing.

Day 3: Conducting Techniques Applied to Composition
Objective: Bridge the gap between composing and conducting, applying conducting insights to composition.
Duration: 3 hours

• Session 1: Communication between Composer and Conductor

  • How composers can write clearly for conductors and performers.

  • Importance of markings and clarity in scores.

• Session 2: Tempo, Phrasing, and Interpretation

  • Learn how tempo and phrasing choices made by conductors affect performance.

  • Practice conducting excerpts, focusing on phrasing and interpretation.

• Session 3: Interpreting Your Own Music

  • Conduct your own composition, focusing on bringing out the intended musical nuances.

  • Group teaching and discussions on interpreting compositions.

Day 4: Practical Application & Rehearsal Techniques
Objective: Practice conducting in a rehearsal setting and refine communication with performers.

• Session 1: Rehearsal Techniques

  • Efficient rehearsal strategies: giving clear directions, stopping and starting sections, and focusing on problem areas.

  • Common pitfalls and how to address them.

• Session 2: Ensemble Practice

  • Conduct a small ensemble with a prepared score.

  • Apply feedback on ensemble communication and clarity of gesture.

• Session 3: Peer-Led Conducting & Reflection

  • Each participant conducts a portion of their composition or another piece, focusing on specific challenges.

  • Group discussion and feedback, reflecting on how conducting insights can be applied to future compositions.

Course Materials

• Conducting baton

• Sample scores for practice (including personal compositions)

• Metronome (for tempo practice)

Outcome
By the end of the course, participants will have:

• A basic understanding of conducting techniques.

• Enhanced ability to communicate their musical ideas through gesture.

• Greater insight into how conducting can influence their composition process.

• Practical experience conducting both their own works and existing scores.

This structure equips composers with the tools they need to step into a conductor's shoes, improving the way they write and prepare for performances.

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TUITION

$1250​

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