ABSTRACT

Basic Conducting Techniques, Seventh Edition, provides a clear and intelligible introduction to the art of conducting an ensemble. Over the course of fourteen chapters, the authors explicate the elements of conducting, supplementing their teachings with an extensive selection of musical examples from the classical repertoire. Practical and innovative, clear and approachable, this text illuminates the essential skills a beginning conductor should develop to lead and rehearse a performing group.

This new edition features:

  • chapters rewritten to highlight important information and show connections between different sections
  • a new chapter on expressive conducting, consisting of expanded and updated content
  • select full scores in the "Musical Excerpts" section
  • excerpts with transpositions for each chapter, allowing easy access for class performance
  • a new companion website, which includes the scores and transpositions for all musical excerpts, audio recordings of the excerpts, and demonstration videos modeling specific techniques for each chapter.

With the beginning conductor in mind, this hands-on, competency-centered approach is appropriate for mixed classes of choral and instrumental music majors, providing indispensable versatility for students and practicing conductors alike. Rooted in decades of teaching and conducting experience, Basic Conducting Techniques is the essential guide to the principles of conducting.

chapter |6 pages

Introduction

To the Instructor

part ONE|54 pages

Conducting Technique

chapter 3|5 pages

Preparations and Releases for All Counts

chapter 4|2 pages

Fractional Beat Preparations

chapter 5|3 pages

Divided Meters

chapter 6|4 pages

Asymmetrical and Changing Meters

chapter 7|7 pages

The Fermata

chapter 8|2 pages

The Cue

chapter 9|3 pages

Conducting Musical Styles

chapter 10|9 pages

Expressive Conducting and the Left Hand

chapter 11|3 pages

Tempo Changes and Accompanying

part TWO|41 pages

Score Preparation and Rehearsal Technique

chapter 12|23 pages

Analysis and Score Preparation

chapter 13|8 pages

The Instrumental Rehearsal

chapter 14|8 pages

The Choral Rehearsal

Abigail Butler

part THREE|167 pages

Musical Excerpts

chapter 3|10 pages

Preparations and Releases for All Counts

chapter 4|6 pages

Fractional Beat Preparations

chapter 5|12 pages

Divided Meters

chapter 6|24 pages

Asymmetrical and Changing Meters

chapter 7|10 pages

The Fermata

chapter 8|6 pages

The Cue

chapter 9|14 pages

Conducting Musical Styles

chapter 10|17 pages

Expressive Conducting and the Left Hand

chapter 11|12 pages

Tempo Changes and Accompanying

chapter 12|13 pages

Analysis and Score Preparation

chapter |27 pages

Technical Mastery