{"id":1923,"date":"2014-09-14T13:38:52","date_gmt":"2014-09-14T12:38:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lastminutemusicians.com\/how_to_get_gigs\/?p=1923"},"modified":"2026-03-23T06:04:55","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T06:04:55","slug":"how-to-be-a-conductor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminutemusicians.com\/how_to_get_gigs\/how-to-be-a-conductor\/","title":{"rendered":"How to be a conductor"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It is a conductor\u2019s job to lead the orchestra and shape the music, reminding the musicians how to\u00a0 interpret the piece and how it should be played in regards to tempo, phrasing and volume. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rather than marking the beat, an orchestra relies on the conductor to show how the beat should be expressed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a conductor<\/a> flows his hands or baton, the music should be more legato whereas when the conductor is practicing sharp waves it indicates a more staccato feel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Up until the 19th century, orchestras were smaller and thus able to play without a conductor, using a soloist or violinist to start. However as they grew in size, it soon became apparent that a conductor was needed to keep all the musicians in time. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Staying in time and knowing when to come in is particularly difficult for brass and percussion players as there can often be long stretches where they are not needed.   <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A key point to remember when learning to be a conductor is to be sensitive. As musicians are often a touchy bunch, a conductor should be able to motivate the orchestra, teaching them to play a piece as instructed without the need to rant, rave or scare anybody. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The players should feel as though they are making music with the conductor, not feel like oppressed citizens under a tyrannical regime.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What you need to be a music conductor:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n