Conducting is the study of the patterns, rehearsal techniques, and other skills necessary for a conductor to lead ensembles of different sizes and contexts in the production of effective tone, balance, phrasing, and interpretation. The class will cover the organization of choral and instrumental groups and include experience in choral and instrumental conducting. Students will learn how to read a score and integrate analysis and styles into conducting. They will become comfortable with performance practices, varying instrumentation, and the appropriate conducting techniques. They will develop knowledge and skills essential for leaders / collaborators in the musical profession, as well as sufficient understanding of musical forms, processes, and structures as it relates to compositional, performance, and analytical applications in order to work on musical problems through the combination of those skills. They will learn how to apply an understanding of and capability with musical forms, processes, and structures in performance pedagogy. Attention will be paid to musical problems of which conductors must be aware.
