The conductor-training for virtuosity: An investigaton into conducting technique and pedagogy

This paper seeks to determine the extent to which one can be prepared for the conducting profession and examines the pursuit of virtuosic conducting. The paper identifies and examines a range of skills essential to the art of conducting, the interconnection of these skills and discusses the role of practical experience in terms of skill development. The paper looks at these aspects in light of demands associated with the conducting profession and investigates aspects of current training for the profession. Different approaches and philosophies concerning conducting training are explored and associated problem areas are identified. This paper supports the belief that these problems can be addressed with suitable training and argues that if conductors were adequately trained they would be more likely to be effective from the first time they work with a professional ensemble. The paper concludes that a virtuosic level of conducting would be a more probable outcome for conductors exposed to thorough training. This paper focuses on conducting skill and technique more than artistic and interpretative issues.