How to conduct, at a minimum, if you are not good at conducting (as a countermeasure when you must)

No conductor! I'm in trouble!

Conductors are often derided as a problem without a conductor, but when they are not there, they are in trouble.

Practicing only with members in an amateur group, part practice conducted by a trainer (who does not conduct activities), etc. ・・・・・

The author himself is not good at conducting: ・・・・

In this article, I would like to discuss how to cope (or get away with it) when I have to conduct.


◆For now, make the beat clear.

One of the most common things that happens to conductors who are disliked is that they don't know the "beat".
By waving the moment of the beat section with a sharply angled figure, you will escape the criticism that "Conducting is hard to understand!" will escape the criticism that "it is hard to understand the conducting!

Also, if you are a beginner in conducting, simulate "arf-tact (ura-beat) many times so that you can touch it without hesitation.


◆Make soft movements.

Don't make your movements too jerky in an attempt to make the time signature easier to understand.
Try to move softly so that the performers who see your conducting will feel at ease.


◆Study the music, of course.

Sometimes there are conductors who can't read the score, only understanding the music by listening to the sound source only.

This is not the case!
Look at the score to get a grasp of the whole piece and eliminate the parts you can't read.

It may be difficult, but you should be able to read transposed notation.

For example, you should be able to read the transposition of the horn (in F: 5 degrees below the real note) when you play a chord in tune.
It is a problem if you cannot point out the wrong note when you play it.


◆Stay low.

In reality, there is no one like Master Chiaki of Nodame Cantabile.
If a non-professional conductor has an arrogant attitude, he will certainly be disliked...


◆The tempo should be slow!

The most common situation in which a person who is not a good conductor conducts is when the ensemble is just about ready to play or not.
Please do not conduct at a selfishly fast tempo.


◆Conclusion
In this article, we have explained how to minimize conducting on the spot.
In fact, it is desirable to have the skill to swing a stick properly,
However, it is not easy to do so.

At Lesson Grid, we offer elementary conducting lessons.

If you suddenly have to conduct, why not take a lesson so that you can learn only the minimum "tataki"?

We wish you all the best!