Expressive Conducting

Expressive Conducting: Movement and Performance Theory for Conductors applies the insight of movement and performance theory to the practice of conducting, offering a ground-breaking new way of learning to conduct. Where traditional conducting pedagogies often place emphasis on training parts of the body in isolation, Expressive Conducting teaches conductors to understand their gestures as part of an interconnected system that incorporates the whole body. Rather than simply memorizing gestures, this book enables student and professional conductors to develop a conducting technique that is centered around expressing the themes of the music. Drawing parallels to the worlds of acting and dance, this text treats the body as the conductor's instrument. Coaching notes derived from years of conducting experience offer readers approachable methods for eliminating communication barriers-both conscious and subconscious-to encourage optimal performance, highlighting breathing techniques, arm exercises, and the significance of weight distribution. Unlike other conducting studies, this text understands that conducting resonates throughout the entire body and is not conveyed by the hands or baton alone. With an exhaustive consideration of the conductor's body and movements, featuring over 50 original illustrations, Expressive Conducting presents strategies for improving one's conducting skills in rehearsal and performance. Jerald Schwiebert and Dustin Barr develop a practical language for expressive conducting, suitable for conducting students, instructors, and professionals alike.

Jerald Schwiebert is a performance coach and author, recently retired from the University of Michigan (emeritus) after more than twenty years on the faculty of the School of Music, Theatre and Dance. Dustin Barr is Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music at California State University, Fullerton.

Chapter 1 A Context for Expressive Conducting: Lessons from Drawing and Tai Chi Chapter 2 The Conductor's Body Chapter 3 Moving with Availability Chapter 4 Performance Theory and Technique: Acting and Conducting Chapter 5 The Body Is Your Instrument: Maximizing Expression and Moving Weight Chapter 6 The Performance Sequence Chapter 7 Coaching Notes Chapter 8 Availability Exercises Chapter 9 A Language for Expressive Conducting