Conducting Curriculum

Level 1 - Introduction to Choral Conducting

Introduction – being a conductor, leading a group (Basic techniques)

  • Standing in front of your choir
  • Conductor’s posture
  • Hand position for the basic level
  • Starting pitch (including giving pitches from a tuning fork)
  • Facial expression

Introduction to basic conducting skills

  • 2,3,4 conducting patterns
  • Cueing (aviso) for the basic level
  • Stopping (cut off) for the basic level

Techniques for showing the following

  • Phrasing, dynamics and expression for the basic level

Level 2 - Development of Choral Conducting Technique and Methods

Consolidation and revision

A continuation of the development of the basic conducting skills

  • the four pivots of the conducting arm??
  • 6/8, alla breve and multimetric patterns
  • A variety of starting and ending cues
  • Anacrusis (crotchet)

A continuation of the development of techniques for showing the following in a more complex musical context

  • Phrasing
  • Dynamics
  • Expression
  • Style

All the above on a more advanced level

The independence of left and right hand, the relation of gesture and sound, refinement of the expressive qualities of conducting gestures

Planning your rehearsal in order to make the best of your given time.

Preparation for new songs, preventing mistakes

Warm up exercises to improve vocal tone and to prepare for your repertoire

Repertoire

  • A cappella choral pieces
  • Choral repertory with simple accompaniment
  • Canons

Assessment

Demonstration of conducting skills and techniques which reflect an understanding of the content of the course

Outcomes:

Participants will develop a better understanding of basic conducting skills in a more complex musical context and the techniques necessary to organise effective choral work.

Participants will develop confidence in their ability to help children perform musically with good vocal technique and balanced ensemble.

Level 3 – Advanced Choral Conducting and Methods

Consolidation and revision

Conducting patterns for uneven groupings (5/4, 5/8, 7/8)

  • Conducting cues for phrasing
  • Stopping and starting on any beat
  • Anacrusis smaller than a crotchet

The independence of left and right hand, the relation of gesture and sounds, refinement of the expressive qualities of conducting gestures at a more advanced level

Repertoire

  • More complex choral works including 20th century (Bartók, Kodály etc)

Accelerando, ritardando, subdivision

Assessment

Demonstrations of conducting skills and techniques which reflect an understanding of the content of the course

Outcomes:

Participants will develop a better understanding of conducting skills in a more complex musical context and the techniques necessary to organise a more complex choral work.

Participants will develop confidence in their ability to help children perform musically with good vocal technique and balanced ensemble.

Master Class (Just for BKA courses)

The Master class will focus on interpretation, musical styles and contemporary choral techniques.