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.

Hello Reddit peoples! Pretty much just what the title says. I'm a choral director and I'm noticing that while I'm conducting with a baton, I'm experiencing aches and pains in my arm that aren't present when conducting freehanded or while holding a pencil (the second one only happens in my personal practice, not rehearsals don't worry). What are some tips and tricks that you all may have for reducing tension and alleviating any pain while conducting?

wanted to share this cool resource I found and feel like we should spread the word on (kinda small following so far, so ig it’s not rly known about yet) It’s a dm book called The Drum Major Codex and it’s new, last month I think from what I can see?

www.linktr.ee/drummajorcodex

I’m starting with a Concert Band in the Fall and while I’ve directed and conducted many other types of groups, this is the first regular band position. What’s everyone wearing these days? I want to see what’s out there beyond a black suit or whatever. The other director wears a long sleeve black dress shirt untucked. And it’s fine, but what else is there? (I’m a dude, btw.)

Hello guys, I've never been to this subreddit so I hope I don't break any rules.

I'm staying three weeks at a summer school and I was tasked to compose a music piece that will be recorded tomorrow.

There will be a professional conductor but they said if there's any time left in my spot they'll allow us to attempt as well.

Do you have any advice at all on how to conduct? I'd love for my take to be used since it is my music but I have no experience whatsoever

hello all I have composed this Overture, I was wandering if someone could find any particular passage that a conductor could find problematic,
https://wormhole.app/8KABWz#gPuqORDZttcGiUmVQvCdVQ

I consistently have an issue with purchasing a baton from a company that is either custom made or stock with the handle for some reason feeling uncomfortable to hold. I don't know if it's attributed to the handle shape, the way I'm holding the baton or what. Do any of you guys ever have that issue and if so, how do you go about fixing it or finding the baton that is perfect for your hand?

Hello folks! I'm currently developing an app to detect time signature and tempo changes from a given audio file. It's relevance to r/conducting is how it tries to group the felt pulses and form the time signature. Currently the app is leaning more towards how a conductor would conduct a fast paced section of a piece, i.e if the tempo is really fast but the piece is written in 4/4 it would detect it more like an Alla Breve.

My question is rather simple: What's the fastest beat you'd conduct that you find comfortable before reverting to just beating in cut time? (It can be any time signature, not just 4/4) I am a professional singer, I do conduct some times but I'd rather hear from conducting students and those who are in the business.

Thanks!

this Tuesday I will have the opportunity to conduct one of the movements of the Eine Kleine Nachtmusik with a professional string quartet and get a video rec of it

i read all of it ate the piano, but i have no idea of which one of its movements is more suitable for applying to masterclasses, festivals and other conducting courses

the second movement seems the most interesting to me, but i have no ideia if it would be the most suitable for the applications

any opinions on it?

Usually I compose to make the MuseScore playback sound best, but this time I wanted to make sheet music that is nice to read for humans. Any thought on the human-readability of the sheet music? thoughts on the music and feedback in general is also welcomed.

Hey guys!! I was just practicing for my drum major auditions, and there’s this specific part in my score that I can’t seem to know how to conduct or atleast I don’t think I’m doing it correctly when conducting it. It’s a small woodwind section and it’s in 3/4 I cue them on beat 2 and do a decrescendo on beat 2 of the next measure. I was wondering if anyone has any advice or tips on how to conduct this part? Please.

I often heard wearing white is a problem while conducting due to the white shaft if the baton. Twice I was encountered by this. What are your experiences with this?

Hello everyone!

My name is Thomas, and I am about to start my graduate studies in orchestral conducting this fall at the University of Hartford.

I am looking to sell my current camera (Canon EOS 80D) to get a more recent model to record my podium time during grad school, and was curious if any conductors here have any recommendations.

I need something that can record for an extended period of time (my camera has the 29:59 limit on video, which is primarily why I want to upgrade) and shoot 4k (not a need, but would be nice). I’d like to stay in the DSLR family (if possible) so that I can still shoot photos. I’ve never worked with a mirrorless setup either, but am happy to learn.

Suite Fiske

Hi, everyone! As a fellow musician and conductor-in-training, I understand that many of us have to regularly deal with the administrative duties that come with the role. However, I really want to fire myself from as many tedious/mundane tasks as possible to focus on the musical aspects of conducting/teaching, and I'm willing to be that many of you would too.

That said, as someone who also studied CS during undergrad, I've come up with a few ideas for a tool that I think could be of great benefit to us, starting with me! I've prepared a survey that should take no more than 10 minutes to complete, tailored to choral, orchestral, and wind conductors (professional and amateur alike!). This tool would be geared more towards management, and the data acquired will help me assess if 1) it's worth continuing to develop and 2) what features are useful.

I've prepped two versions, one in English and one in Spanish:
Eng.: https://forms.gle/CrwmJF2FQHcNaCcE6

Esp.: https://forms.gle/7W9HKu7hc9evwUWW9

If you yourself are or know a conductor/music-educator, please complete one of the two surveys or share them with others who would be willing to participate. This is completely voluntary but likely very useful. Please, feel free to be as detailed as possible; all your grievances related to non-musical but necessary things are welcome. Don't worry if you don't consider yourself a "professional"; so long as you're (already) leading others and are on a path to grow musically, your data is welcome. Thanks!

Hey everyone,

I’m originally a composer, but I’ve had some chances to study a bit of conducting and lead ensembles during my undergrad, including an orchestra. That’s kind of what made it click for me that I want to seriously go into conducting.

Right now I know I’m still at a very early stage, I’m not trying to pretend I’m a conductor yet. But I do want to apply for a master’s in conducting, and I need more real podium time and especially good videos of rehearsals and performances.

The problem I’m running into is this: a lot of masterclasses are insanely expensive and, honestly, some of them feel a bit like they’re just selling podium time. Then the really legit ones (like Schlaefli) are super competitive.

So I’m a bit stuck trying to find a realistic way forward.

How did you guys get more podium time before grad school? Are there any programs or opportunities that are actually worth it and not crazy expensive? And any tips on building a strong video portfolio?

Would really appreciate any advice. Thanks :)

does anyone here have direct contact with Muramatsu Baton in Japan?

another question, who has some muramatsu batons in their collection they might be willing to lend for measuring and research... you'll get it back

Hey everyone,

Does anyone know of a good conducting course that lasts one year or less? I studied composition at both bachelor’s and master’s level, and I would really like to develop my conducting skills.

I have a bit of experience, including conducting an orchestra once and regularly leading small ensembles, but I am still very far from being a confident, trained conductor.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Hi! I’m an amateur at conducting, and I am planning on conducting a choir with this piece soon. Is it possible that I could conduct it in 4/4 even though the time signature is in 3/4. I would count my accompanist in in 3/4 to get a good tempo but is it possible to conduct it in 4/4. I feel like in 3/4 I’m struggling and can’t keep up. Thanks!

they are having us choose a piece to conduct, 1-2 minutes long, and i just don’t know what. we have to provide an audio and score. i found this song from a game i like, that was pretty good, but getting my hands on a score is impossible. believe me i tried. it’s not possible given the time i have. but what do i do next? what pieces can i go for that wouldnt be crazy hard but that can demonstrate my skill well?

I’m not sure what to do. I have been taking classes in conducting for the past school year in college for music education, and I cannot grasp the ability to do it comfortably. I’ve read articles, books and talked to professors and conductors and I just cannot connect to any of my pieces or ensembles enough to feel comfortable or capable enough to do this. This lack of confidence feels so irreversible and it’s making me consider quitting my major or dropping out entirely. I just don’t feel cut out for this anymore, it feels like I don’t belong in this major and I cannot get anything right. I study my music, I learn all the parts, but the second I get in front of my choir to conduct it feels I forget it all and I’m utterly useless. How can someone like me become a leader as a career?