Conducting technique Articles

How to conduct rests

From small breaths to longer fermatas, rests give a conductor the opportunity to use a variety of baton strokes.

The upbeat

The most important single motion for a conductor, the upbeat, holds in itself the indications of tempo, dynamics, and articulation of the first sound the orchestra is going to play

Baton technique – Mixed meters

Mixed meters are an integral part of the conducting technique: what do conductors need to account for in order to make them clear for the players?

Baton technique – Legato and staccato strokes

When music shapes the technique, legato and staccato strokes are a response to a musical articulation. Here are a few pointers on how to practice these strokes.

How to conduct rests

How to conduct rests

From small breaths to longer fermatas, rests give a conductor the opportunity to use a variety of baton strokes.

The upbeat

The upbeat

The most important single motion for a conductor, the upbeat, holds in itself the indications of tempo, dynamics, and articulation of the first sound the orchestra is going to play

Conducting Pills

A FREE video series with an analysis of structure, phrasing, and, of course, conducting tips of repertoire works: from Mozart to Brahms, from Beethoven to Debussy. A new episode every week!