Document Type
Syllabus
Publication Date
Fall 9-1-2024
Course Description
The course of study, which provides action-oriented and measurable objectives, will include the following: discussion of text readings followed by the execution and implementation of physical conducting and other technical exercises from the text; full-score study techniques (including several graded projects of marking leading-line, cueing, harmonic analysis and “phraseology”); live-ensemble conducting and rehearsal interaction; conducting to a recording to allow maintenance time-beating, while focusing on cueing, score progression and developing the ear’s ability to adjust to the movement of sound in time; the development of singing skills used for demonstration to an ensemble of specific passage work; and the development of rehearsal strategies for effective use of time (“5-minute Firedrill”-- a high efficiency assignment). Most class days will consist of conducting pattern warm-up and drill, discussion of reading material, followed by live-ensemble work.
Recommended Citation
Smith, Orcenith, "MUS 360A Conducting 1 Smith Fall 2024" (2024). All Course Syllabi. 798, Scholarly and Creative Work from DePauw University.
https://scholarship.depauw.edu/records_syllabi/798
Student Outcomes
Because many of these music students (especially, BME) will find themselves in a position of responsibility conducting a group of musicians, either academic or professional, choral or instrumental, the outcomes of the course must prepare students for that eventuality and will include-- developing a correct, personal conducting beat pattern set, one which is shown through obvious and refined but comfortable body language; developing an undeniably correct sense of tempo that can be maintained involuntarily and is reliable; assembling an understanding of “the score” and its study and how to interpret what is there; developing the ability to listen while involved in all the other activities of conducting; developing good narrative, descriptive and interactive leadership skills; developing a sense of musical rehearsal priorities that will create efficient rehearsals and accomplish rehearsal goals, and; understanding the progression of how to gauge preparation of a piece of music to finally accomplish a performance of it.