On Conducting Technique

Abstract

Does conducting technique exist? If so, what is it? Can it be learned and taught in a systematic way? Is it possible to be a conductor, even a good conductor, without acquiring conducting technique or with only very basic pattern-beating skills? Before learning any instrument, one must go through a period of technical training before playing a piece of music. Take the violin as an example: a violinist should be proficient in how to hold a bow, bow movement, playing long notes on open string, scales and fingering before one is exposed to any piece of music. When starting to play a piece, there are more technical requirements due to the demands of the music, such as legato, Détaché, Martelé, staccato, spiccato, Sautillé, tenuto, Ricochet, and many other techniques related to attacks and articulation nuances. Conducting is a very comprehensive art and requires a great deal of knowledge. But the knowledge is in the mind, what about the hands? How many techniques are required and possessed before a conductor begins to learn a score? What are the technical concepts that can be learned? How much more technique is needed after the conductor starting to study a score and conducting an orchestra? Is there any? What are they? This article attempts to explore these questions.