ABSTRACT
Biographical accounts of conductors' lives offer various views and interpretations of what makes for good conducting. Research findings and literature in the field also offer clues. Knowledge of the workings of the voice and of how psychologically to deal with the singers in the rehearsal situation will determine the intonation of the opening phrase. The ability of conductors to deal with the technical aspects of the music is naturally important, because this addresses elements like accuracy of rhythm and pitch and vocal production. Equally important is an understanding of the music in its historical, stylistic, and textural contexts that can bring the music to life. Awareness of and response to what is happening aurally in the choir is key. Some conductors have an inflexible plan of a rehearsal that does not respond to what the choir is actually producing. The technical skills of conducting and the effective use of conducting gesture are central to the attainment of required musical goals.
