Choral Conducting
As any singer knows, a good conductor makes or breaks a choir. But if you don’t have the time, money or skills to go to a university program to study to be a conductor, where can you learn those important skills that will help you lead your group to the excellence you know is buried within? We’re glad you asked! You’ve come to the right place… Here you can learn how to conduct with feeling, how to encourage communications or evoke just that sound you’re looking for, we’ve got the books for you. You can learn basic conducting skills or advanced techniques, so we’re good for the beginners and the experienced!
 |
The Conductor's Role: Review of the Basics The Preparatory Beat and the Focal Point of Attention Fraction Entrances and Cutoffs Developing Greater Left-Hand Independence Conducting Transitions Eliminating Extraneous Movements When and When Not to Conduct Conducting Asymmetrical Meters with Efficiency Score Study and Preparation Improving Conducting through Self-Assessment |
Refining one’s conducting technique is a never-ending process, and the efficient use of physical gestures on the podium is a must for every conductor. Conducting Nuances is for those who have studied basic technique and are now ready to bring their craft to the next level. This invaluable book focuses on those awkward and cumbersome moments of particular challenge to conductors. These challenges give conductors the means to grow, creating opportunities to refine and improve technique. Conducting Nuances includes extensive attention to left-hand development, independence, and expressive gestures. Other topics include: delicate transitions, fractional entrances and cutoffs, starts and stops, establishing new tempi without extraneous movements, and changing meters. Extremely helpful videos provide clear models of the major conducting techniques. Checklists and exercises throughout this book reinforce the major points. Anthony Maiello’s concise explanations will move conductors from technique to artistry, demonstrating again and again that it is the little things that mean a lot.
| 6622 BOOK $24.95 |
 |
Prologue: Opening Our Eyes Interlude: Maestro or Bob? Chapter One: The Journey Begins: A Look at Leadership Interlude: To the Skeptics, the Cynics and the Realists Chapter Two: Lead With Vision Interlude: Little School, Big Vision Chapter Three: Lead Upon Trust Interlude: Are Kids Artists? Chapter Four: Lead By Teaching Interlude: Zoom In / Zoom Out Chapter Five: Lead By Persuasion Interlude: The Bully Seed Chapter Six: Lead With Character Interlude: Not Superheroes, Just Super Willing Chapter Seven: The Journey Continues: Leading for the Long Term Interlude: The Greatest Leader Epilogue: A Clearer Vision for Influence |
How do you inspire the musicians in front of you, help them to catch the fire of your vision for the group, and learn to work together as people, instead of just learning to sing or play on the beat together? How do you lead them? The leadership role of conductors is, on the one hand, obvious. As leaders, conductors have the job of cueing entrances, holding fermati, and executing final cutoffs with a flourish. But there is so much more to musical leadership: Vision, Trust, Persuasion, and Character are just a few of the concepts explored in this remarkable volume that brings the wealth of leadership literature to bear on the business of running a musical ensemble. Think Stephen Covey (of 7 Habits fame) meets Benjamin Zander (of the Boston Philharmonic). At last there is a book that applies the principles business leaders have turned to for years to the task of leading a musical ensemble. Whether you stand before a fourth grade chorus or a philharmonic orchestra, The Conductor as Leader will inspire you to go beyond teaching notes and rhythms to learning how to build connections between people that enhance their quality of life - and their musical performance.
| 6621 BOOK $24.95 |
 | Introduction And Purpose Developing Analytical Listening Skills How Do You Hear? Identifying Aspects Of Timbre The Conductor's Aural Workbook Pretests And Posttests Snakes and Barrels |
In The Choral Conductor’s Aural Tutor, James Jordan leads directors on a quest for aural mastery of vocal technique "error" detection through a program of guided listening using recorded examples from both a high school and a college choir. The included pretests and posttests encourage forward progress by testing the conductor’s ability to hear and label problems, including too little head tone, off-the-breath singing, jowly placement, sluggish vowel movement, and more. The Core Vocal Exercises on the two CDs demonstrate good ensemble sound by showing both correct and incorrect examples—we learn what a desirable sound is by hearing what it is not. This book and two-CD resource, rooted in the principles of The Choral Warm-Up, is an essential resource for conductors of all experience levels, regardless of what age group they teach.
| 6381 BOOK & 2 CDs $38.95 |
 | Introduction: Trusting Your
Music Instincts Alignment: Creating the Inner Space for Breath Understanding Your Structure: Following Gravity and Releasing the Muscles Your Movement Potential and Conducting: Consistent Tempo: A Prerequisite Skill for the Conductor Opening Oneself: The Anticipatory Position - Readiness to Receive Sound and Breath Breathing and Dropping In: Fundamentals of Connection Initiating Sound: Impulse Gesture, Ictus, the Freedom of Dropping In Gestural Vocabulary: Allowing the Body to Teach the Body Receiving the Sound, Listening, and Active Reaction to the Sound Natural Impulse and Ictus: Initiation of the Musical Line Music Aptitude: Measuring and Realizing Your Music Potential As a Conductor Preparing the Score: Allowing the Music to Speak Giving Meaning to the Music Through the Text Trust and Conducting: Interpreter or Transmitter? Literature for Study and Self-Evaluation A Primer for Rehearsal Technique |
Evoking Sound takes a fresh look at the critical link in the choir: the conductor. And it starts from the very first breath. The importance of such a ground-zero approach is fundamental-before one can conduct, one must inspire those being conducted. Only then can the desired end result-a performance that lives up to its full potential-be achieved. Evoking Sound introduces the subtle but important premusical factors that determine a choir's performance. These include the conductor's stance, breathing, and movement. Written by a professor and conductor at Westminster Choir College, this book questions the basics at the most fundamental level, doing so in a way that will engage and inspire the conductor in you. You'll come away from Evoking Sound feeling a renewed sense of the totality of the conducting endeavor, as well as a grasp of how to better evoke sound from many, unique human instruments.
| 6246 BOOK $34.95 |
 | Ray Robinson
– The Challenge of Choral Leadership in the Twentieth-First
Century Timothy W. Sharp – Choral Literature: Research References, Current Sources, and Future Directions Gordon Paine – Score Selection, Study, and Interpretation Melinda O’Neal – Coming to Terms with Historical Performance Practices Jameson Marvin – Mastery of Choral Ensemble Donald Neuen – Conducting Paul Brandvik – Choral Tone Richard Cox – Diction James Jordan: Rehearsal Technique: A Guide for Planning the Choral Rehearsal Guy B. Webb – The Tools of a Choral Musician G. Roberts Kolb – Effective Choral Programming Scott W. Dorsey – Resources for the Choral Conductor |
While many fine volumes have already been written on Training to be a choir directorit is evident that singing in a college choir, taking one or two courses in conducting and a choral techniques class is all too frequently the extent of a choral conductor’s training. Also, the path to conducting a choir is often approached from different areas of expertise – from one’s keyboard skills or instrumental background, leaving many conductors without a concept of diction or choral tone. So much is involved in the learning process to become an effective choral director. A publication which would articulate basic concepts would be an invaluable research tool in the training of choral musicians. The learning process is the sum total of many things – courses taken, books read, conventions attended, and most importantly, on-the-job training. Though this book is written for the student, it is written for every choral director who is still striving to grow in the profession. It is not limited to those who have yet to find their first choral position.
| 6334 BOOK $31.95 |
 | Prologue: The
Importance of Communication |
From the nation’s top choral master-teachers! Choral Conducting provides direction and guidance for beginning choral conductors and stimulates the practicing conductor who is receptive to alternative approaches to choral development and problem solving. A wealth of experience is revealed in this unique compendium. Virtually every topic is addressed. The cumulative effect is one of breadth and depth.
| 6391 BOOK $45.95 |
 | The Conductors |
A thought provoking collection of ideas by today's leading conductors on how a conductor develops feelings for a piece of music and communicates those feelings to an ensemble.
| 6352 BOOK $12.95 |
 | Techniques For
Beating Time: Examples With Exercises |
From the foremost of Swedish choral conductors and editors, this complete and comprehensive manual for the training of choral conductors uses a rich variety of unusual repertoire for its conducting exercises.
| 6359 BOOK $29.95 |
 |
Analyzing the Score |
This text is a unique find for the aspiring conductor -- a sequenced approach to the many musical and extra-musical conducting skills that doesn't find itself mired in a complex presentation. Revised to include additional step-by-step exercises and examples, it remains rooted in its "Seven Disciplines for Excellence in Conducting." Promoting the kind of focused, dedicated study that conducting requires, these seven disciplines -- analyzing, internalizing, researching, marking and conducting the score, and planning and rehearsing the rehearsal -- build on each other to continually reinforce earlier disciplines. Well suited for both self study and use in a conducting course or seminar, Precision Conducting is also an excellent resource for those looking to refresh an existing skill set.
| 6508 BOOK $16.95 |
 |
The Essential Choral Tone |
"Sound" is the chemistry of musical sounds intended to culminate in the potential of not just sound, but beautiful sound; not just expression, but enhanced and beautiful expression. In the case of a choral ensemble, this sound ideal is the result of many important factors. Precision Conducting: Achieving Choral Blend and Balance presents a thorough yet practical discussion of these factors, which include determining the vocal classification and the physical placement of singers; techniques to achieve rhythmic precision, vowel unification and good intonation; and performance practice in each of the major historical periods. Each major focus area also includes short, targeted lists of Guiding Principles, Common Tendencies, and Problems and Suggested Solutions, along with tips for Problem Solving. A reproducible IPA Chart as well as Audition and Evaluation Materials are included, as is "The Choral Singer's Guide to Good Vocal Production," a handout for your choir members.
| 6509 BOOK $14.95 |
 | Preparing For Success |
Seasoned
conductor Diane Wittry draws a comprehensive roadmap to a successful
career in Beyond the Baton. With first-hand understanding of how the
role of the conductor has changed across the years, she expertly
examines the new set of duties--both on and off of the podium--that now
fall upon the shoulders of the music director. From getting a job to
fundraising and educational outreach, Wittry's comprehensive tips and
strategies guide students and professional conductors alike through the
leadership and organizational skills necessary for success. Numerous
real-life examples illustrate vital skills for artistic leadership such
as programming subscription, pops, and educational concerts;
understanding the budget and the music director's role in funding the
artistic vision; and presenting speeches, and radio and televised
interviews. In informative conversations with the author, successful
conductors Leonard Slatkin, Robert Spano, and JoAnn Falletta offer tips
from personal experience on how music directors can work successfully
with orchestras, and what their roles are with the board and the
community.
With up-to-date information and extensive listings,
the resource section provides valuable information that conductors use
every day in a convenient and practical format. Wittry gives conductors
easy access to contact information for national musical organizations,
guest artist managers, music publishers, internet sources, conducting
competitions, summer festivals, grants, and scholarships. Programming
lists and sample contracts and resumes can also be found within these
pages. A comprehensive, step-by-step guide to success in the conducting
world, Beyond the Baton is an indispensable companion, and its advice
will help all aspiring and practicing conductors make the most of their
talent and training.
| 6456 BOOK $27.95 |
 |
Personal Characteristics Essential Knowledge, Skills and Work Ethic. Selecting Programming Score Study Making the Score Realizing the Music Role of Imagination, Integrity and Emotion Creativity and Imagination Conducting Technique Gestures of Expression The Art of Collaboration Leadership Rehearsal, Planning and Execution Conducting a Performance Evaluation, Maturation and Reflection Conductor as Music Educator |
This informative book by one of the world's foremost authorities on conducting contains no conducting patterns, and no advice on how to conduct any piece. Instead, it focuses on the skills, knowledge and experiences needed to become and function as a conductor-teacher. Frank Battisti is Conductor Emeritus of the New England Conservatory Wind Ensemble. Battisti founded and conducted the ensemble for 30 years. The NEC Wind Ensemble is recognized as being one of the premiere ensembles of its kind in the United States and throughout the world. It has performed often at music conferences, recorded for Centaur, Albany and Golden Crest records and had many of its performances broadcast over the National Public Radio Network (NPR).
| 6544 BOOK $24.95 |
 | Basic
Principles Preparatory Gestures And Cut-offs Basic Patterns Subdividing Appropriate Paterns Odd Meters In A Fast Tempo Frequent Meter Changes Ritardandos and Accelerandos Miscellaneous Techniques |
Conducting is a
multifaceted craft that includes ear training, vocal, training,
conducting techniques, rehearsal techniques, performance practice, music
theory, and music history--not to mention basic leadership and group
dynamics. It can also be an art that will consume a lifetime of study
and practice. Many people have skills in some of these areas, but it is
the rare person who has mastered every facet of this complex craft. The
scope of this book is to address only the physical skills, the one area
that most people can master relatively quickly, regardless of their
skill level in other areas.
| 6442 BOOK $12.95 |
 | The Self
Actualizing Conductors The Phase Concept Developing Group Identity "I'm OK; You're OK" Group Leadership Leading Songs Conducting Rehearsal Techniques Questions and Answers |
Primary focus of this excellent book is
an explanation of the psychological principals involved in effective
musical leadership. Ideas based on the self-actualization theories of
Abraham Maslow and the transactional-analysis concepts of Eric Berne and
Thomas Harris. Among other things this book shows how to provide
effective leadership experiences. A well-organized, perceptive,
well-written and useful resource for all choral conductors.
| 6546 BOOK $15.95 |
 |
Rehearsal Procedures Presenting a New Choral Work Flatting and Its Causes Dynamics Tempo Rhythm Blend and Balance Diction Vowels: Principles, Primary Vowels, and Related Sounds Consonants: Principles and Considerations Diphthongs: Principles and Basics Tone Color Staging Criteria for Selection of Choral Music Audio Aids Program and Performance Suggestions and Considerations |
The book is a collection of ideas, procedures, and devices which have been successfully used with choral groups of all ages. The chapters are organized to cover one problem area at a time, and succinctly state the suggested solutions. This digest of the fundamentals of the choral art is designed to be of help to all choral directors regardless of their experience and ability, or the skill of their groups. The veteran conductor may use it as a check list for his own work--the less experienced conductor will find the material of great value both in building a fine chorus as well as in developing an increased awareness and sensitivity on his own part. The handbook may well serve as a text for choral conducting classes as well as a source book of information for members of school, community, and church groups.
| 6591 BOOK $10.95 |
 |
Basic conducting patterns in legato and marcato for all basic meters Conducting with and without a baton Extensive demonstration of preparatory gestures Explanation of the architecture of conducting Body Mapping principles applied to conducting Discussions on Sound Shaping and Sound Morphology Unique interactive menu |
For the first time two of America’s most respected conductors—instrumental and choral—enter into a collaboration, using cutting-edge technology to illustrate their teaching principles for learning the basics of conducting technique. Through insightful masterclass dialogue, unique multi-angle video demonstrations, and state-of-the-art motion capture animation, conductors will be able to study the gesture of both renowned conductors. Revolutionary graphics show the skeletal movement of each conductor in real-time to give conductors an in-depth and accurate picture of body mechanics and architecture. This DVD is a complete tutorial for basic conducting technique as taught and demonstrated by two of America’s master teachers and conductors.
| 6620 DVD $34.95 |
 | Preparatory Ictus Rebound Baton Eye contact Plane Posture Score and energy Entering into silence The left hand Use of space Look like the music Facial expression Encourage collaboration Looking ahead |
Conducting work begins not with movement,
but with the study of music. Before conducting students can pick up a
baton and lead with confidence, they must know where they are going.
Allan McMurray, a recognized authority on conducting pedagogy and wind
repertoire, takes students through his innovative and music-centered
approach to conducting technique. Each of the thirteen sections focuses
on a specific movement that embodies an understanding of performance
practices, style, music history, form, etc. McMurray expertly guides
viewers through the basics of the preparatory ictus and eye contact to
the more advanced concepts of use of space and "looking like the
music." This DVD is the perfect resource for anyone learning to
conduct or as a refresher course for directors at the middle school,
high school, or college/university levels. The running time is 1 hr. 40
minutes. Allan McMurray is Chairman of the Conducting Faculty and
Director of Bands at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He studied
conducting with H. Robert Reynolds at the University of Wisconsin and
went on to complete post-graduate work at the Advanced Institute of the
Arts in Montreux, Switzerland.
| 6453 DVD $34.95 |
 | Gardiner on Bach Choral Romp Working with the Alto and Tenor Cantata Structure Coro. 'Christen, atzet diesen Tag' Recitativo. 'O selger Tag' Aria (Duetto). 'Gott, du has es wohl gefuget' Aria (Duetto). 'Ruft und feht den Himmel an' Recitativo. 'Verdopppelt euch demnach, ihr heissen Andachtsflammen' Coro. 'Hochster, schau in Gnaden an' |
Sir John Eliot Gardiner is one of the most versatile
and exciting conductors of our time. Acknowleged as a key figure in the
revival of early music, his concert performances and recordings are
unmistakable for their zest and technical mastery. This fascinating
film of Bach's Cantata No. 63 rehearsal at London's Abbey Road Studios
is intercut with comments from the singers and an interview with
Gardiner, giving a deeper appreciation of this festive work lavishly
celebrating Christ's birth.
| 6501 DVD $24.95 |
 | In
this fun one hour and fifteen minute video, Dr. Timothy Mount, working
with his choir, demonstrates and talks about clear beats, well-defined
conducting patterns, preparatory beats, cut-offs and the many challenges
of fermatas. Dr. Mount offers numerous tips and warns about a few bad
habits to avoid. The video includes a detailed booklet/manual with all
exercises noted. The Choral Journal called the video "A superb
contribution to the profession" and strongly recommended the
title.
|
 | In this first volume of Donald
Neuen's extraordinary series of video-based classes on conducting, this
veteran choral conductor and teacher approaches conducting as a high
art, to be mastered as any musical instrument. The baton itself is
addressed as an instrument, with detailed commentary on different ways
of holding it and using it most effectively to communicate with your
ensemble. He also discusses when not to use a baton, and how to use your
body language to maximum effect. If you take your conducting seriously
and want to "sit at the feet of the master," this is what
you've been looking for. Furthermore, the high quality of the audio and
video production of these products is equal to their superb content!
|
 | Volume 2 of Artistic Musical
Conducting continues the discussion of conducting beat patterns and
styles, from the basics to more complex issues such as fermatas,
preparatory beats, and cueing. Any musician who is ready to step onto
the podium will be well served by Donald Neuen's clear, logical, natural
examples and demonstrations. This and his other DVDs will prepare you to
stand in front of any ensemble, whether instrumental or choral, and feel
confident that your conducting is clear, effective, and in the best
possible service to the music!
|
 | Taking James Jordan's choral conducting book Evoking
Sound to the next level, this video is a self-tutorial that demonstrates
and enhances the basic conducting principles discussed in the book. This
insightful presentation includes an overview of fundamental Body Mapping
based upon the Alexander Technique as applied to choral conducting, as
well as tutorials on breathing and basic conducting patterns. Whether
you're studying conducting for the first time or looking for a refresher
course, this enlightening video provides invaluable insight into basic
conducting technique.
|
 |
The purpose of the video is to demonstrate ways to communicate musical intent non-verbally. The naturally human propensity to use body movement to emphasize ideas and to send clear and specific messages, with or without speech, is explored and clearly demonstrated, and conducting instruction on the video emphasizes the entire body as the vehicle of communication. The tape includes some of the most common "mixed" or "blurred" messages that conductors can unintentionally send, immediately followed by motions consistent with intent.
|
 | Conducting-listening skills, harmonic and melodic
content, ensemble sonority and expressive conducting are only a few of
the insightful topics included in Ed Lisk's latest publication. The
complexities of instrumental music as related to Howard Gardner's
Theories of Multiple Intelligences are thoroughly discussed and provide
an overwhelming foundation for the support of music in the schools. From
philosophy to practicality, this book has it all!
|
 | Traditional conducting
methods rely on how conductors look-not how they feel. James Jordan's
groundbreaking 'Learn Conducting Technique with the Swiss Exercise Ball'
takes the study of conducting beyond the mechanics to a higher plane.
With the aid of a Swiss Exercise Ball and the Body Mapping tecniques
described in this book, conductors can reach a new level of artistic
expression and mastery.
|
 | Imogen
Holst (1907-1984), the daughter of the composer Gustav Holst, was a
much-loved source of inspiration for the many musicians and students who
encountered her over the years at the Dartington Summer School of Music
and the Aldeburgh Festival. In this book, originally published in 1973,
she sets out clearly and concisely--and often amusingly--a wealth of
practical information that will be of particular interest to the amateur
conductor. She gives precise and detailed advice on the technique of
conducting, how to form and train a choir, the presentation and
rehearsal of music, and how to approach public performances and
competitions. Her final chapter offers suggestions for the actual
rehearsal of choruses from Purcell's Dido & Aeneas, Handel's
l'Allegro, and Britten's Rejoice in the Lamb.
|
Choral - Home | Mens Choral | Womens Choral
| Mixed
Choirs | Early
Music
Childrens
Choir | Boys Choirs
| Girls
Choirs | Choral
arrangements | Choral
Christmas | Director's
resources
African |
English | Canadian | Bulgarian
/b> | Estonian | Hungarian | Scandinavian&
lt;/ b> | Russian | Latin
American
Spirituals |
Madrigals |
Budget Choral
titles | DVDs | Complete choral
list
RSS Feed - Choral New
Releases
Vocal Jazz| Contemporary
| Barbershop | Gospel | Christian | World | Choral | Doo Wop
Arrangements | Women's | Collegiate | Vintage&
lt;/ a> |
DVDs | Instructional
The Harmony Sweepstakes A
Cappella Festival | West
Coast A Cappella Summit
To find a specific song on any recording (or to find
recordings by group name or CD title),
pick the search method and
type the item you are searching for here:
