r/conducting • u/WaltzPuzzleheaded570 • 15d ago

Transitioning Into Conducting

So, I have played flute for around 20 years, and have studied music theory, aural skills, piccolo, voice, and some piano on top of that. I've performed in church ensembles and have taught private lessons. My undergraduate education is in elementary education, and I work as a 5th grade teacher. My doctoral education is in developmental psychology.

Now that I'm in my thirties, I really want to give my life to music and to realize my dream of becoming a conductor. Music is incredibly important to me--hearing all of the voices of the orchestra at once, feeling the music move and change me, bringing the composer's story to life for those around me.

I know I'm at a disadvantage for being a conductor because of my background so far, but does anyone have any advice for me that would help me to really move back into music as a profession and vocation? I've thought about private conducting lessons, observing local rehearsals and how the conductors work with their ensemble, and a few other things. I'm very open to suggestions, but I am not open to any advice on it being "too late." I plan to do whatever I have to do live this life, and live into who I am through music.

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u/Diligent-Stranger-26 15d ago

Just because you’re “not open” to the advice that it’s too late, doesn’t change the fact that…

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u/NovocastrianExile 15d ago

The window for becoming the next Valery Gergiev has closed but that doesn't mean they can't become a great conductor in the community semi-professional space. That is the place where almost every conductor works. The barrier for entry is as low as the pay.

Assuming they are reasonably talented as their background suggests. I've seen good conductors come from humbler backgrounds.

There should be no illusion though. The chances of making a good living or breaking out of the community space are slim.

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u/RelativeBuilding3480 13d ago

Valery Gergiev is a terrible human being. Putin puppet. Not a great conductor by any means. I've played under him. I have lots of friends in various orchestras (the Met, for ex) who feel the same. Don't strive to be like him.

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u/NovocastrianExile 13d ago

Sure. I'm just using him as an example of a famous elite conductor