Beyond the Baton

Presents a view of the music director's job from the inside - starting at the moment students decide they want to be conductors, through their first jobs to being a successful artistic leaders. This book covers the practical ground that music schools neglect. It is useful for helping conductors think about their duties both on and off the podium.

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Seasoned conductor Diane Wittry draws a comprehensive roadmap to a successful career in Beyond the Baton. With first-hand understanding of how the role of the conductor has changed across the years, she expertly examines the new set of duties--both on and off of the podium--that now fall upon the shoulders of the music director.

From getting a job to fundraising and educational outreach, Wittry's comprehensive tips and strategies guide students and professional conductors alike through the leadership and organizational skills necessary for success. Numerous real-life examples illustrate vital skills for artistic leadership such as programming subscription, pops, and educational concerts; understanding the budget and the music director's role in funding the artistic vision; and presenting speeches, and radio and televised interviews. In informative conversations with the author, successful conductors Leonard Slatkin, Robert Spano, and JoAnn Falletta offer tips from personal experience on how music directors can work successfully with orchestras, and what their roles are with the board and the community.

With up-to-date information and extensive listings, the resource section provides valuable information that conductors use every day in a convenient and practical format. Wittry gives conductors easy access to contact information for national musical organizations, guest artist managers, music publishers, internet sources, conducting competitions, summer festivals, grants, and scholarships. Programming lists and sample contracts and resumes can also be found within these pages.

A comprehensive, step-by-step guide to success in the conducting world, Beyond the Baton is an indispensable companion, and its advice will help all aspiring and practicing conductors make the most of their talent and training.