Conducting Technique: For Beginners and Professionals

by Brock McElheran

This book starts at the very beginning and ends with some remarkably profound insights on conductorial subtleties. An experienced conductor is one in whom detection, diagnosis, and remedy take place simultaneously; as he hears the error, he realizes where the fault lies and what to do about it. This book gives valuable hints about these three basic conductorial functions from the viewpoint of chorus and orchestra alike. McElheran leads the student toward mastery of the problems at hand, with firmness and gentle humour.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Reference

Spiral-bound

First published January 28, 1974

Reviews

[Eileen Rose]

This was the textbook for my University Conducting class, at CSUF.
It is a simple, clear and precise technique, I have sucessfully used, while directing Ward Choirs and Congregations of the "Mormon" church, over the past 30 years.
LDS Ward Choir Directors use their God given talents in Christlike service, so are not paid, like those of many other churches. But, we believe in the pursuit of excellence and that music should be performed to invite the Holy Spirit, not detract from it. So, I highly recommend this book.

[MyImpossibleList]

I bought this book because I was interested in conducting. This was far more information than I had expected. There are so many suggestions for both beginner and professional conductors. Oh, and the last quote of the book was this: One percent of conducting is conducting. Very interesting and informative! Now I understand conductors more and have gained more respect for them.

[Joshua Bland]

Absolutely loved this resource! Even after conducting in various capacities for over a decade, I found it insightful and challenging. Though I took excellent notes as I read, I know this is a volume to which I will turn often throughout my career.

[Jessica]

Simple and concise, this is the book I recommend to beginning conductors.

[Shelby Marshall]

This is a fantastic Conducting book! The instructions are quite clear, it covers a little bit of everything, and the exercises are invaluable!