How do I become an orchestra conductor?

Question

I am close to finishing my doctorate in choral conducting with a minor in orchestral conducting. I have realized over the course of my studies that while I enjoy teaching choirs (in a university setting), I would prefer to conduct orchestras on a more professional level. I am finding it difficult to switch over if for no other reason, because it is hard to get orchestral conducting experience without an orchestra. Any thought on how this transition may be made smoothly?

Answer 1

Since you say you're "finishing" your DMA, I assume that means you're still in school, right?

If so, then the task is probably a LITTLE easier. Since you're getting a minor in orchestral conducting, this means you've got contacts in the orchestral program at your school -- use them! See how much podium time your orchestral conducting professor will give you. Can you sub for him/her while s/he is off campus for some reason?

Also, you should try to put together a small orchestral conducting recital. You may or may not get credit for it, but that's not what matters -- what matters is getting to work through some of that repertoire. Beg your friends to play for you, and try to put on a short program...maybe with some Mozart/Haydn symphonies that won't suffer from having something reduced instrumentation like 4 violins, 2 violas, etc... Or some larger chamber music. Schoenberg's op. 9, or Verklarte Nacht (the sextet version wouldn't need a conductor, but if you do it as a double sextet it probably would).

Also, rather than trying to switch out of choral conducting, why don't you try to tie the two together more? Program a choral piece that requires a (small) orchestra -- pick a Bach cantata, or something. That way you'll be able to get some orchestral conducting experience, while still working on your "real" degree. :-)

And make sure you get good letters of recommendation from BOTH your orchestral and choral conducting professors.

Good luck!!

Answer 2

you got some good and interesting suggestions (at least none of them bad) but they all are only applicable in certain regions or areas ... not knowing where you are changes the answer .... 1st of all what and where are you going/doing after your doctorate? 2nd do you play an orchestral instrument well, if you do start playing in community orchestras and find out if the conductor misses rehearsals on occasion then volunteer (knowing some conductors, do it very tactfully) to substitute for the conductor when and if he/she can't make a rehearsal ... after your doctorate if you have choral conducting gig try doing pieces with orchestra even if you have to recruit the personnel yourself (my first paid gig was a Buxtehude choral piece (plus 3 part violin and cello) you can go from that small to large depending on what is available .. the easiest piece to get people volunteering out of the woodwork is doing some kind of Messiah program a sing along or just a performance and there you start getting contacts ... contacts are the key

Answer 3

NOW this dawns on you??? How long have you been in music schools?? We are a family of four school choral conductors, and all perform professionally on our instruments (or voice) as well. How are you supporting yourself? You do realize that this is a LONG INVESTMENT of time - and you may NEVER get the orchestral conducting gig that you want, that actually pays you to recoup what your HUGE financial investment must be. My son's old undergrad roommate sound like you - in school forever, and living on the margins of the professional music world. And you are writing to THIS LIST??? We mainly get 13-year-olds who want to be hit singers, without taking any lessons . .

You cannot be a youngster any more - got to be in middle twenties at LEAST. DO you have some kind of FEAR of actually entering the real world, since the Ivory Tower has been so comfy for so long? If you have not gotten the conducting experience you want ALREADY, then it is time to leave the nest and strike a path for yourself. Do choral works WITH orchestra, for heaven's sake. You needed ME to tell you that?? Find a teaching gig wherein you get some exposure - not as second-best to someone else, either - and MAKE A MOVE. Unless you have independent funding and intend to be the Perpetual Student - get on with it! In all honesty - did you even NEED a doctorate in Choral conducting? Or was this an educationally sanctioned way to postpone LIFE? OK - I know that most college gigs require this - but you have painted yourself into a corner - JUMP OUT!!~

I have advanced degrees in Music Theory - talk about limited use! - but I have made a successful life in music. 57 - ZERO debt - money put away - life is good. I can do what I want musically. I had to kiss a lot of ugly toads before I got the handsome prince (musically speaking) but it was all worth it!

Answer 4

You should defiantly think big once you get the experience you want. But maybe to begin you could conduct a high school orchestra or a talented youth orchestra. Just an idea. Good Luck to you!!!

Answer 5

Get in touch with local and non professional orchestras. you'll probably have to do a lot of work for free. You will gain experience in orchestral rehearsal technique with non-professionals. Also make it an objective to have the orchestra perform in public at every occasion. if its small town make sure the local newspaper is there to give you a glowing review.

Best of Success!

Answer 6

It isn't the transition that's a problem...it's networking, contacts, recommendations from your teachers, shmoozing with the best and the brightest...getting mini-gigs in small venues where they'd be glad & grateful to have someone with your academic background...go to a lot of dull parties and keep your eyes and ears open for people doing what you'd like to be doing...hang with winners, get humble, listen and learn. Nobody hands anybody an orchestra, right? But if you're positioned in the musical environment and get to know patrons, donors, first chairs, etc., they'll catch up with you...even if you spend a bunch of time as the Rehearsal Guy, it's where most folks have to start. For every Toscanini there had to be 500 who weren't...but a gig is a gig, my friend.

Answer 7

A-m Start a community orchestra

B- Start a local youth orchestra

C- Assist a a number of semi pro and pro oprchestras.

D- Go to Europe to conduct, and first get a position.

Answer 8

if u had teaching experience for schools and such i would say start at a decent music program at a high school!!! those teachers can get well known and people get to know you...that'll give experience if not a youth orchestra is also very great!!

Answer 9

Try applying with smaller, commuinty orchestras for added experience. Your minor should indicate that you've got the chops. Not you have to demonstrate that you do.

Answer 10

i don't really know
but im in orchestra!
i play the viola :D