A conductor is first and foremost a teacher. Teaching is an art and a calling. We must acknowledge that conducting is a privilege; the singers make up your instrument and they need to be revered, nurtured, and maintained as such.  Excellent teaching relies equally upon knowledge and an enthusiastic, communicative, and inspiring personality. 

 

Knowledge is acquired through diligence and hard work.  We must know our subject thoroughly and possess the ability to teach it in a manner that is easily understood.  We need to have a pedagogical plan of which presents concepts in a reasonable order.  The conductor who teaches his choir concepts teaches his choir to think for themselves and solve problems.

           

Knowledge and skill are of little use without an inspiring personality that others are drawn towards.  The music requires conductors to possess qualities of an inspiring personality, which includes (1) a genuinely positive and energetic rapport that is encouraging, motivational and supportive; (2) a genuine love for people and music; (3) a genuine satisfaction in working hard; (4) a genuine thirst for more knowledge and the pursuit of excellence; (5) genuinely professional behavior and appearance.

           

The strength and success of a choral program is the direct result of (1) recruiting and retaining excellent singers; (2) teaching excellence in singing; (3) finding excellent repertoire that the choir can perform excellently; (4) oversee and demand organizational and disciplinary excellence; (5) plan and prepare diverse, creative, innovative, and excellent programs; (6) embody, teach, and inspire excellence.

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ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

 

As a choral conductor one assumes the role of a servant, teacher, leader, student, and recruiter simultaneously.

           

As a servant, I am responsible for serving the composer and the score through integrity, knowledge, and preparation.  I am committed to quality and musical excellence in all my work.  I serve the student by teaching, inspiring, and conducting in a manner that promotes artistry.  I serve the audience by presenting varied programs that are accessible, interesting, and stimulating to both the amateur and the professional. 

           

As a teacher, my primary job is to ensure the use of the appropriate and safe vocal technique in the correct manner and style of the music.  It is my responsibility to teach comprehensive musicianship, first by teaching students to think critically and then by make connects to music history, music theory, and the knowledge gained in the private studio.  In addition, I must run a rehearsal that is based on preparation, listening, analysis and solution of problems, and at the same time motivates, inspires, challenges, and rewards students. 

           

As a leader, I must assume the role of a mentor and role model in the manner that I prepare, communicate, teach, rehearse, and conduct in a performance.   I must instill in my students the need to be both servant, teacher, student, and recruiter. 

           

As a student, I am committed to lifelong learning through reading, research, and performance.  I think it is vital that professional musicians are members of music organizations and attend both local, state, and national conferences. 

           

As a recruiter, I am charged with the task of motivating interest in new singers and engaging the community.