Conductor
Comprehensive Sites
ConductingThis primer on conducting as a profession directly connects you to chapters on the skills required, how to study a score, selection of tempo, and other basics of the profession. Fundamental concepts, patterns, style, and suggestions for home practice are all included.
Occupational Titles
Conductor
Director of Orchestral Activities
Music Director
Orchestra/Band Conductor
Orchestrator/Arranger
Accredited Academic Programs
Conductors Guild: Conductor Training WorkshopApart from musical training, the specialty conductor’s workshop in a unique opportunity to learn the approaches and tools of the conductor. Featured guest artist biographies are included at the site, a leader in the art and advancement of the conducting profession.
National Association of Schools of MusicYou can learn about the role of the National Association of Schools of Music at this page and access a list of member schools once you create a login. Names and addresses of accredited schools of music include all degree programs offered by the institution and organized state. You can help decide what schools may be best for you with this directory.
Salary Levels
National Association for Music Education: Careers in MusicIf you are a potential choir, orchestra, or opera conducting artist, you can learn about the opportunities for employment, approximate salary ranges, personal qualifications, and recommended training at this concise table.
Professional Organizations
Conductors’ GuildDevoted to the art of conducting, this organization offers online issues of its opportunities bulletin, details on the annual conference of its members, annual workshops, and a mentoring program, which provides young conductors the opportunity to learn from more experienced professionals.
International Artists’ Managers AssociationA worldwide association for classical musician artist management, this resource includes information on member services, news in the field, and its program of young international performers, offering guidance and support for young artists.
League of American OrchestrasSelect your area of interest from the pull-down list to find the information you need or click on information about orchestras, seminars, mentoring circles, and fellowships in the arts. The League supports orchestra management, education, and research.
World Association for Symphonic Bands and EnsemblesUpcoming events, musical courses, and conducting seminars can be learned about from this page, as well as conductors’ scholarship programs, an online news archive, as well as opportunities for professional development. The conductor-composer exchange program facilitates international student exchange of conductor and other musicians. A conductor development program also provides opportunities on score analysis and repertoire selection with internationally recognized professionals.
Job Opportunity Sources
Conductors’ Guild: Conductor Opportunities BulletinLog in to this page, and you will receive updates on the latest positions in the profession of conducting.
Gerontius.netThis forum provides postings of opportunities in choirs and choral music, including positions as conductors and musical directors.
Publications
Conductors Guild: Journal of the Conductors GuildThe flagship publication of the organization, this tool is for the serious student or conductor and is full of scholarly articles by prominent conductors and related professionals in the field. This journal comes with membership in the only organization of its kind.
Conductors Guild: Podium NotesMusical news in brief, upcoming events, guild news, and commentary in the field of conducting are found at this quarterly publication, available to its members. Student membership is available to those actively pursuing a degree or private study in conducting.
League of American Orchestras: Symphony MagazineA bimonthly publication addresses issues and trends within the orchestral community. Student membership entitles you to gain access to publications and job searches. You can download archived articles from the site, or find industry statistics and quick orchestra facts.
Online Forums & Blogs
League of American Orchestras: Join a DiscussionFree networking with your potential colleagues is available from this page of the League of American Orchestras. Sign up and receive information via e-mail to join in the talk of one or many groups geared toward orchestra leaders.
Polyphonic.comServing as an orchestra musician forum, this page will take you to interviews, an orchestra spotlight, multiple discussion panels, and news and blogs. Post a general comment or view past discussions. Spotlights include the ability to listen to live recordings of symphony orchestras.
Career Videos
YouTube: How Did I Become a Conductor?An excerpt from a public television broadcast on how one man became a conductor is shown at this YouTube video, a service of New Hampshire pubic television.
YouTube: James LevineYou can watch a famous overture orchestrated by a famous conductor, James Levine, at this YouTube video.
YouTube: On the Use of the BatonRaw footage from a PBS special on becoming a conductor is found at this YouTube video, where a conductor discusses some of the subtleties of conducting and communicating with the conducting baton.
YouTube: What is Conducting?The role of a conductor is presented at this public television featuring Patrick Botti, conductor of a philharmonic orchestra.
