Music Conductor

Music conductors help groups of instrumentalists and singers to interpret and perform pieces of music. They prepare musical scores for performance, and form clear ideas about how they should sound. They then lead a group of performers and help them to realise these ideas, making sure that performers understand their roles and play and sing well together, producing the right harmonies at the right speed.

Conductors work with a range of performers, including amateur and professional orchestras and choruses, church choirs, music students, and youth and community music groups. Some work on stage musicals or recorded soundtracks for film and TV.

Conductors must be flexible about working hours, as daytime, evening and weekend work are all usually required. They work in indoor concert halls, theatres and recording studios, churches and cathedrals, outdoor venues, such as parks and the gardens of stately homes, and schools and other educational settings. Conductors may spend a lot of time travelling in the UK and overseas.

Most conductors earn around £1,000 per concert, but fees vary enormously between £50 and £3,500 per concert. The most acclaimed conductors may earn much more.

A conductor should have:

• excellent musical knowledge and ability
• good communication, people and leadership skills
• confidence working with and motivating a wide range of people, many of whom are highly experienced musicians
• command of a second main European language in addition to English
• an interest in music and the history of music.

Accomplished musical ability is vital and competition for conductor jobs is very strong. Many vacancies and opportunities are not advertised, so it is essential to make good contacts with other people in the music industry.

There are no formal entry requirements for music conductors, but most have a degree in music studied either at university or a specialist music college, or a postgraduate qualification perhaps studied abroad at one of the European or American academies. Applicants to these courses may have to undertake an audition and will usually need to have studied a musical instrument, often the piano, to at least grade 7 or 8. Some of the music schools also offer summer schools, seminars and short courses.

Most conductors spend their entire professional career developing their craft. They are continually studying musical theory and the history of music, as well as practical aspects of conducting. Much of this study is driven by personal motivation and interest, and is not part of any formal training. Practising conductors are listed on the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) register of performers and composers.

The ultimate goal for most is to become a principal conductor, but this requires a strong portfolio of recognised work. Entering competitions can be a way of getting skills noticed. By widening skills and experience, more engagements can be secured.

Further details