Booklet on the 10 basic but essential techniques every conductor must master. 15 pages of self-righteous opinion.

“Everyone who has stepped in front of an ensemble to conduct has quickly realized that getting a group to start, end, and remain together throughout a performance is not that difficult. The more advanced an ensemble, the less the technique of a conductor is likely to matter at all. So, in trying to imply a parallel between a violinist’s or a singer’s technique with that of a conductor, we must painfully admit that there is very little to discuss concerning the physicality of doing our job.

The mass of what should be discussed is in the refinement of musicianship and communication. If one is already a mature musician with an ability to articulate musical thoughts clearly, then almost all of your conducting preparation is complete.

With that said, for those musicians who do make a choice to pick up a baton, there are a handful of practical skills that must be exercised thoroughly to be successful on the podium.” - excerpt from the Introduction