How to Become an Orchestral Conductor

Batons act as an extension of the arm and reduce a conductor's arm fatigue.

An orchestral conductor provides direction for symphony rehearsals and performances by selecting and interpreting the music score. The conductor's duties include providing accuracy, balance, style, speed and volume, in addition to cuing the ensemble to perform as a coordinated effort. The duties also include deciding on the phrasing and the quality of the sound produced by the orchestra. Seeking out a job as a professional orchestral conductor involves the challenging process of acquiring formal training and developing a craft during years of experience.

Things You'll Need

• Personal collection of orchestra scores
• Performance videos
• Formal resume

Instructions

1. Learn to play an instrument proficiently to understand the rigors of rehearsal from the players' viewpoint. Becoming an orchestral conductor requires understanding how players react to music direction, and working as a performer provides experiences in observing conducting directions and hand gestures. This experience helps in developing your own conducting style.

2. Learn to play the piano proficiently to assist in deciphering the sound of orchestra music while studying the conducting score. Your skill need not be performance level, but should allow competency in creating the parts of the various instruments playing on the music score.

3. Attend an accredited postsecondary school of music to earn a bachelor's degree in music performance. Select a school with a strong performance program. Study Italian, German and French to assist in reading music notations and written instructions. Understanding these languages also assists the conductor in comprehending the majority of vocal music texts.

4. Observe professional conductors in both performances and rehearsals with high-quality orchestras. The rehearsal observation allows understanding of a conductor's demeanor, pacing of the rehearsal and best techniques for conducting. Sit close enough to the musicians, if possible, to hear the rehearsal discussion concerning the conductor's direction, demeanor, interpretation of the music and conducting style.

5. Attend a graduate school and earn an advanced degree in conducting. Select a school with a high-quality conducting program and opportunities to conduct student orchestras and complete musical analysis courses.

6. Accept all available conducting opportunities, regardless of the quality of the ensemble. The problem solving during these performances and rehearsals offers valuable experience for development as a conductor. Videotape your conducting performances at these work experiences for use in applying for conducting employment.

7. Attend conducting workshops and clinics, and apply for employment as an assistant conductor or conductor of a small orchestra. Document professional achievements on your resume and network to maximize conducting opportunities.

8. Approach professional conductors to locate a mentor willing to help guide your style and conducting employment choices. A seasoned conductor can offer valuable advice based on career experiences.

References

• National Symphony Orchestra -- Conductor; Miles Hoffman; 1997
• Orchestral Jobs: Assistant Conductor
• Butler County Symphony Orchestra; Music Director/Conductor -- Job Posting; May 2011
• The Peabody Institute: Orchestral Conducting at the Peabody Conservatory; 2010
• New England Conservatory: Orchestral Conducting
• Conductors Guild: Activities and Events

Resources

• Symphony Musicians and Symphony Orchestras: Robert J. Flanagan; 2008
• BLS: Musicians, Singers and Related Workers; December 2009