Conductor Reflection Essay

When I began these reading assignments, I did not have a clear understanding of what I expected from a conductor. The conductors I have played for do so much to prepare for and lead rehearsals and yet I just expect it from them and do not question how they produce such results. These readings helped me to gain a new prospective on the conductor’s process before they step in front of an ensemble. Each of the authors whose works I read had a slightly different opinion of conductors and their role in an ensemble. One trait all the authors agreed was important for conductors was a strong inner ear. A conductor needs to create an auditory image before going into a rehearsal so they can compare what they hear to what they were expecting to
I did agree with many of the points he made. My favorite quote of this piece was, “it is folly to think that we as performers, as re-creators, can elevate the work of art. It is the work of art that can elevate us” (Schuller 8). This is the best argument I have heard for strictly adhering to the score and helps to strengthen the rest of his comments throughout the piece. His insists on following the composer’s instructions exactly because ignoring any one of them could drastically change the sound of the entire
My biggest challenge is going to be working on my inner ear. I need to rely on recordings less and start with reading through the score. Analyzing the score more will allow me to hear details in rehearsals and better help my future students improve their music skills. In the future I will attempt to follow the composer’s instructions more carefully while still applying my views to the music. These articles have certainly given me a lot to think about and will hopefully help my conducting