Conducting Tips

Abstract

Since efficient and communicative gesture enhances good rehearsal technique, this chapter presents twelve conducting tips to encourage an extensive and varied gestural vocabulary, with the goal of eliciting a full range of expressive responses from singers. Additionally, the chapter explores implications for conductors of the “chameleon effect,” the tendency of people to unintentionally mimic the behaviors and expressions of others. From postural alignment to the shape of their lip position, research has shown that singers will unknowingly imitate a conductor’s physical behaviors. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the pros and cons of conducting concerts completely from memory.