Cues for Conducting an Orchestra

You are viewing an Expert Village Video Series:

A symphony conductor is responsible for the sound and performance of his orchestra. Learn how a conductor provides signals and cues to his orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

There are 30 videos in this series:
Email Series
  • 1.
    Conducting Crescendo With Left Hand

    Get the most out of the orchestra you are conducting. Learn tips for conducting an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 212
    Playlist
  • 2.
    Conducting Decrescendo With Left Hand

    Tips for conducting a symphony orchestra. Learn tips for conducting an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 199
    Playlist
  • 3.
    Conducting Dynamics for Orchestra

    More conducting motion for louder music passages, less for softer music. Learn tips for conducting an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 233
    Playlist
  • 4.
    Conducting Orchestra Dynamics With Left Hand

    You too can be a symphony conductor. Learn tips for conducting an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 212
    Playlist
  • 5.
    Conducting Sudden Loud Orchestral Passage

    Make the symphony audience jump out of their seats. Learn tips for conducting an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 208
    Playlist
  • 6.
    Conducting Sudden Soft Orchestral Passage

    Techniques for conducting an orchestra. Learn tips for conducting an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 202
    Playlist
  • 7.
    Conducting With Baton & Hand in 3/4 Time

    Cue different orchestra sections on third beat of 3/4 time with hand and baton. Learn tips for conducting an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 206
    Playlist
  • 8.
    Conducting With Baton & Head in 2/4 Time

    Cue different orchestra sections in 2/4 time with head and baton. Learn tips for conducting an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 199
    Playlist
  • 9.
    Conducting With Baton & Head in 3/4 Time

    Cue different orchestra sections in 3/4 time with head and baton. Learn tips for conducting an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 215
    Playlist
  • 10.
    Conducting With Baton & Head in 4/4 Time

    Cue different orchestra sections in 4/4 time with head and baton. Learn tips for conducting an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 223
    Playlist
  • 11.
    Conductor Cues Oboist in 2/4 Time

    Conductor brings in oboist on second beat of two-beat measure. Learn how conductors cue various parts of an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 202
    Playlist
  • 12.
    Conductor Cues Soloist in 3/4 Time

    Conductor brings in soloist on third beat of three-beat measure. Learn how conductors cue various parts of an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 193
    Playlist
  • 13.
    Conductor Cues Viola in 3/4 Time

    Conductor brings in viola section on first beat of three-beat measure. Learn how conductors cue various parts of an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 201
    Playlist
  • 14.
    Conductor Cues Violins in 2/4 Time

    Conductor brings in violins on first beat of two-beat measure. Learn how conductors cue various parts of an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 193
    Playlist
  • 15.
    Conductor Cues Violins in 3/4 Time

    Conductor brings in violin section on second beat of three-beat measure. Learn how conductors cue various parts of an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 204
    Playlist
  • 16.
    Conductor Cues With Baton & Head

    Cue different orchestra sections with head and baton. Learn tips for conducting an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 221
    Playlist
  • 17.
    Crescendo and Decrescendo With Left Hand

    Learn how an orchestra works together. Learn tips for conducting an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 194
    Playlist
  • 18.
    Crescendo in Orchestra Conducting

    Crescendos, decrescendo and diminuendos are key terms for instructing an orchestra how to play a piece. Learn tips for conducting an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 201
    Playlist
  • 19.
    How to Change Orchestra Dynamics

    Techniques for varying orchestra dynamics. Learn tips for conducting an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 198
    Playlist
  • 20.
    How to Code Orchestral Score

    Color-coding an orchestral score can be a big help in conducting. Learn tips for conducting an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 216
    Playlist
  • 21.
    How to Conduct a Crescendo

    Make the orchestra play louder. Learn tips for conducting an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 188
    Playlist
  • 22.
    How to Conduct a Decrescendo

    Make the orchestra play softer. Learn tips for conducting an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 183
    Playlist
  • 23.
    How to Soften Orchestra Dynamics

    Technique for conducting a soft passage of music. Learn tips for conducting an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 187
    Playlist
  • 24.
    Orchestra Conductor Cue for Double Basses

    Use eye contact and open invitation to cue various parts of an orchestra. Learn more about how to cue orchestral sections in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 197
    Playlist
  • 25.
    Orchestra Conductor Cue for Trombone Section

    Conductor brings in trombone section on first beat of four-beat measure. Learn how conductors cue various parts of an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor.

    Views: 192
    Playlist

Views: 6,158 Videos in Series: 30

Tags: classical, ballet, orchestra, symphony, conducting, conductor, opera

Email Series

Summary: Conducting an orchestra can be a daunting task, be it a string ensemble or an entire symphony. The job requires an extensive knowledge of music scoring as well as a natural gift to distinguish proper pitch and tone. And beyond the music basics, a conductor has to be an entertainer, involving their musicians as well as their audience in the piece they are conducting. The conductor is the focus of attention for the entire performance venue, so they must follow the proper etiquette and established rules and at the same time keep the crowd entertained and involved.

In this free series on conducting a symphony orchestra, you will learn how to cue different sections of the orchestra, such as the strings, the brass and the soloist, in different time signatures. Brandon will also demonstrate the dynamics of conducting an orchestra, explaining terms such as forte, piano and crescendo. Watch this series if you are planning on becoming a conductor, or if you would just like to know more of what goes on at the podium the next time you attend a classical music performance.

About the Expert

Expert: Brandon Archer has obtained a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Wheaton Conservatory of Music. He has more than five years of teaching experience conducting bands and orchestras. Brandon is also an accomplished double bars player and was first chair with the Wheaton College symphony orchestra.

Music Ads