Tips for Conducting an Orchestra

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A symphony conductor interprets a piece of music for an entire orchestra. Learn how a conductor directs a symphony orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor and composer.

There are 13 videos in this series:

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1.

Common Time Signatures for Symphony Orchestras
Overview of basic time signatures for an orchestra. Learn more about keeping time for an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor and composer.

Views: 316
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2.

Hand Movements to Conduct an Orchestra
Each hand has a distinct job when conducting an orchestra. Learn more about how to use your hands when conducting an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor and composer.

Views: 302
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3.

Holding a Baton to Conduct an Orchestra
Curl your fingers around the conductor's baton. Learn more about holding a baton in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor and composer.

Views: 268
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4.

How Conductors Improve Orchestra Performance
Get each orchestra section to play the way you want them to. Learn how to fine-tune your orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor and composer.

Views: 290
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5.

How Conductors Rehearse an Orchestra
Get on the members of an orchestra on the same page. Learn how to make members of your orchestra work with each other in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor and composer.

Views: 260
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6.

How to Begin Conducting an Orchestra Piece
Familiarize yourself with orchestra score as the conductor. Learn more tips for conducting an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor and composer.

Views: 285
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7.

Legato & Staccato Orchestra Conducting
Romantic orchestra themes use a great deal of legato lines. Learn more conducting tips in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor and composer.

Views: 269
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8.

Less Common Time Signatures for Symphony Orchestras
A symphony conductor music be familiar will all the time signatures of a score. Learn more about keeping time for an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor and composer.

Views: 270
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9.

Mistakes of Beginning Conductors
Keep your arms where the orchestra can see them. Learn about common mistakes for a first-time conductor in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor and composer.

Views: 271
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10.

Practice Scores for Conducting an Orchestra
Carry around the practice orchestra score to memorize it. Learn more insider tips for conducting an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor and composer.

Views: 260
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11.

Types of Batons for Conducting an Orchestra
Rehearsal batons are thicker and more durable than concert batons. Learn about the different kinds of conductor's batons in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor and composer.

Views: 281
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12.

Using Left Hand to Conduct an Orchestra
The conductor's left hand is used to indicate crescendos and decrescendos. Learn more about how to use your hands when conducting an orchestra in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor and composer.

Views: 277
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13.

Using Right Hand to Conduct an Orchestra
The conductor's right hand is used for keeping time. in this free conducting lesson from an experienced conductor and composer.

Views: 258
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Views: 3,603 Videos in Series: 13

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

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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. 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.

In this free series on conducting an orchestra, you will learn such basics as how to hold a baton and how to use your hands when conducting, as well as tips for rehearsing your orchestra into top shape. You will also learn a few of the common mistakes of beginning conductors.

About the Expert

Expert: Lennon Leppert is a film composer and songwriter. He has worked on projects produced by The Discovery Channel, The History Channel and The Learning Channel. He has had professional recording experience in various genres, including pop, rock, techno, jazz and orchestral. He has played, conducted and coached many orchestras and youth orchestras in the greater Los Angeles area. He has played multiple instruments including trumpet, piano, cello, percussion, drum set and voice, both classical and pop.