The Attributes of a Conductor - What makes a fine conductor?

Great Technique:
great baton technique
very good ears, for example, sense of pitch and rhythm
effective technique, clear and concise indications of what they are trying to
portray
Control over both hands
very good ear, even perfect pitch, to ensure that the orchestra or ensemble is
playing everything they should
able to maintain correct or effective eye contact. A conductor is not very effective
if they are constantly looking at their score or their hands
proper beat patters with the baton or hands, as well as motions for musical
details such as crescendo and rubato
ensure that the beat is visible for all, for every single person that is part of the
musical group
Clarity with technique, communication, oral and gestural
Not to be lazy with technique
Choral vs instrumental, learning the different techniques for different instruments
including the voice
Proper posture
Leadership:
ability to establish a strong relationship outside of the typical conductor-musician
relationship
use of authority instead of power (innate), because authority is attained while
power is granted by others, meaning one should have an attained ability instead
of one that isn't truly something unique to you
respect for the musicians playing under his/hers baton
Respect for musicians, best to be on equal planes, not like being higher or above
anyone else, will seem like a ruler
Enthusiasm, must be able to make the musicians motivated to go home and
practice their parts
Must be able to also inspire their musicians, leadership, making them want to
actually play well
Must make the musicians feel like they belong, accepted, motivated to not only

practice but give it their all in rehearsals

Be positive
Allow input from the musicians
Treat everyone as friends

Musicianship skills:
- intellectual ability to analyze a score with a gargantuan amount of detail
knowledge about the limitations of all the instruments
Deep knowledge about the score, its history, cultural aspects
must know everything that one could know about the piece of music, and the
composer
musical knowledge, such as harmony and analysis
Good sense of: harmony, pitch, intonation, dynamics, timbre, rhythm, articulation,
balance, continuity(innate, but can be learned with hard practice)
knowledge of traditions- will come from score and history study, which will allow
for a better sense of how to approach conducting a new piece, as well as
knowing how to improve from past interpretations of the piece
realize the tiniest details, such as dynamics
several skill sets: knows how to play, at least the basics of several different
instruments
knows the mechanics of all the instruments, such as fixing intonation and other
minor problems
very good theory, easily and quickly able to read a score
understand the harmony of scores, instrumentations etc
be able to make informed decisions about music, such as what the composer
wanted and such
ability to compose and orchestrate music
Study of languages and culture, to know how a French composer would have
been different with a German or Italian Composer
must be able to figure out when there are faults in musicians playing, even the
tiniest ones, otherwise the musicians may never correct themselves
Maturity:
must be aware of what they are getting themselves into. Cannot do it just for the
glory and fame but the true love of the art
a "deep humility" for the art of music and conducting, to truly appreciate and feel

honoured to be able to conduct

curiosity about the art, as well as it's process of creation
must realize that to be a conductor, is a very difficult task with a lot of
responsibility
to truly serve the art, one must not impose their own personal interpretations on
the art, as it will deem as an "interpretation"
distinguishing "interpretation" and "realization", main difference is when one
doesn't realize the true intent of the composer, and doesn't empathize what the
composer might have been thinking, but instead interprets what they think it
should sound like. In other words, they do not trust the art, but would rather
impose their own views on it
rely on the composer and the score
one must put the piece of music first, cannot start with the "interpreter"
A great conductor will have to think about what makes a great conductor, and
analyze the meaning of being a great conductor, how to be a leader.
Do not half asse anything, must know what is required and train hard, do not get
caught up in the fame but actually get down to work. A lot of students don't
always do this
Sense of respect towards the music, in other words, should respect the piece and
composer, instead of the other way around (Schuller)

Other:
have to be unique, cannot try to be anyone else
Develop skills to be able to transfer their ideas effectively to the orchestra
an imagination that can be turned into reality
Cambridge companion to conducting
- thorough organization and preparation for rehearsals. This includes going into
rehearsal with all of his/her's homework done, and have a plan for each rehearsal
In this sense, the conductor has to be a teacher
be able to conduct from memory to be able to work on musical details, which
would be done by making eye contact
one must know of the different interpretations of their piece, and choose
knowledgeably
Can be pedagogical