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Fundamental conducting techniques and experience in front of choir, ensemble and orchestra.
Course AimsThis course seeks to provide you with an introduction to developing skills and experience as a conductor, whether of instrumental groups, choirs, or conducting from within an ensemble while also playing/singing. Involved in this study is not just the mechanics of ‘waving your hands around’, though that is where we do start; it also involves some detailed discussions of the psychology of rehearsing and performing from the viewpoint of leading/directing an ensemble. Along the way, there is a constant reference to learning about as much repertoire as you can – either through class discussion, or through your own pathways of discovery, that you will be encouraged to document. This is an important resource to provide you with referential fuel for your future endeavours leading an ensemble, wherever you find that opportunity – in informal or amateur surrounds, or indeed leading a professional concern such as a choir or orchestra.An essential part of the course is observing how others rehearse, conduct and lead an ensemble. At mutually agreed upon times, you will be invited to attend rehearsals of a number of ensembles and this will be the basis of observation in classes that follow those respective experiences. Perspectives to enrich the course will be provided as tangential topics we will explore as the year progresses. For example, around the study of certain repertoires, we will delve into the current understanding(s) of the performance practice of various historical repertoires. With regard to contemporary music practices, we will look at the conductor as orchestrator in the context of scoring session-work, for example. And so on…
Students who pass this course seek to develop:An ability to conduct the basic patterns, cuing, and character motions in front of an ensembleAn ability to critique and observe performances and rehearsals of other musicians/conductorsDemonstrate a modest understanding of repertoire both historical and contemporaryEngage in developing an efficient and relatively tension-free use of the body while conductingDevelop an ability to speak (coherently) in publicDemonstrate an ability to rehearse effectively and personably Demonstrate an ability to read scores Transferable skills: Public performing; setting and achieving goals; time management; performance under pressure; self-assessment and persistence; self-motivation; connection with community.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
MUSA201 or approval by Head of School
MUSI320
Workload• Student workload (150 hours) will be allocated to:• 48 hours attending the class• 24 hours attending performances and rehearsals • 28 hours preparing for specific class tasks and projects: scores, basic conducting motions etc.• 50 hours researching repertoire, conducting practices, rehearsal approaches et al – documented in the ‘scrapbook’
Mark Menzies
Domestic fee $1,668.00
International fee $7,200.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
This course will not be offered if fewer than 6 people apply to enrol.
For further information see Humanities .