Conducting lessons

Individual coaching covers several practical and theoretical aspects of conducting. During the lesson the student -depending on his or her experience- can work with an existing choir, ensemble or orchestra, or with his or her own ensemble.

Own ensemble

Students that lead their own ensemble can use the ensemble for practical sessions. There is no need for the ensemble to adjust their repertoire or rehearse more often, but it can be expected that the rehearsal will be interrupted more often for moments of learning. Experience has taught us that this approach causes the ensemble to be more involved; an experience that is both interesting and positive. The development of their conductor will become tangible for the ensemble, which, in turn, will stimulate their own musical development.

Custom-made

The needs of students are varied, and Michel Havenith strives to offer custom-made solutions with his individual coaching. The coaching sessions can be extremely specific (for example, an experienced conductor looking for advice on one of the recitatives that is in the repertoire of the jubilee performance of his or her choir). Individual coaching also offers opportunities for inexperienced conductors who have not yet worked with an orchestra of their own, and more experienced conductors that simply wish to expand their conducting skills without having any specific issue or questions. The sessions will also redefine the basic skills that are essential to any conductor.

Goals

A few examples of important aspects that can be discussed during the sessions are:

• How do I set up a solid rehearsal plan?
• How do I know up front where the issues will be?
• How do I rehearse economically but effectively?
• How do I read a(n) (orchestra) score?
• How do I prepare a work?
• How can I prepare myself thoroughly for a rehearsal?
• How can I research vocal and/or instrumental techniques, and/or potential issues?
• My first performance with a choir, soloists and orchestra will be next year. What are the grounds that I need to cover?

Communication

'Body language' and 'nonverbal communication’ are vogue words these days that are used whether they are relevant or not. There are not, however, many professions in which body language is as important as it is in conducting. Think about aspects such as:

• Which impression do I communicate to the ensemble that I lead?
• What are the effects of a conductor’s behaviour on the ensemble?
• Can I control this process?
• Why does my ensemble react differently to me than it does to another conductor?
• What is the most effective way to getting ‘something done’ of my ensemble?
• How do I behave on stage?
• "During the orchestra rehearsal for the concert for my oratorio society I was lost for words after a question from one of the orchestra members; how do I prevent this from happening?”

Body language therefore is an important aspect during the lessons and courses from Michel Havenith.