About conductingUse of the music stand

Use of the music stand

Conducting is influenced by external conditions. The music stand is one of these. Improper use of the music stand may affect the conducting process.

Common problems include:

Using inadequate music stand. Inadequate music stands are:
- Portable, collapsible metal stands.
  These desks seem to be useful (portable) and less expensive. They are however not ideal when conducting. The main objection is that they become top heavy and unstable when using larger and heavier. Moreover, the top can not be flattened (horizontal) enough to get a proper setting.
- Music stands of which the top is too small. Particularly when using large scores this may become a problem because it will no longer be stable.
- Stands that can not be adjusted. For instance the heavy desks used in churches. The height can often be set in a variety of heights with a pin in the extending part.
The music stand is too high. Disadvantage:
- If the desk is set too high, there is the risk of hitting the top when conducting. This can easily lead to a broken baton or a painful hand...
- The lower part of your torso is not visible.
- You are forced to conduct higher, which will decrease your conducting space and alter your entire conducting.
The music stand is too low. Disadvantage:
- If the desk is too low, you have to (slightly) bend forward when you turn a page. Apart from back pains that might occur, your conducting will be restless because of the repeated bending over and standing up straight.
The top of the stand too straight (to vertical). Same disadvantages as for too high (see above).

A good music stand:

Is sturdy and stable (heavy!), also with large or heavy scores.
Is adjustable both in height and inclination of the top.
Has a top that is large enough for big scores.
Has a one-piece top without openings, so you can make notes without damaging the paper.

How high should I set the music stand?

First, set the top of the desk almost horizontal, but ofcourse without the sheet music falling of.
Then set the stand as low as possible, but so that you will not have to bend forward for page turning.

tips:

A separate writing tablet that can be pushed on the lower edge of the stand's top, may be very helpful.
A separate lamp that can be attached on the stand's top is indispensable if you are in a space without sufficient light on the stand.
For older, myopic conductors with a reading glasses or varifocal glasses: this does not work well when reading from a music stand because the distance is too big! In this case, consider purchasing separate single-glass spectacles for distance-viewing.