Fundamentals of Conducting MPAME-UE.1465.002
Thursday 11:00 am – 12:15 pm
Professor: Michael L. Breaux - michael.breaux@nyu.edu
Office: 244 Greene Street, Room 402
(212) 998-5613 o | (203) 530-9752 c
Required Materials:
Course Text: Phillips, K., (1997). Basic Techniques of Conducting, Oxford University Press. (Bookstore)
Equipment:
Baton – Mollard or comparable 12 or 14 inch baton
Instrument - for use in class so we may have an ensemble to conduct
Flip Video (optional) – so that we may video recording ourselves for analysis.
Course Objectives:
The purpose of this course is to acquire the basic knowledge and skills necessary to conduct choral and
instrumental ensembles in rehearsal and performance. Special emphasis will be placed on the following skills:
1.
Fundamental beat patterns
2.
Communication of: articulation, dynamics, entrances, cues, and releases
3.
Basic score preparation and interpretation
4.
Basic rehearsal techniques and error detection
5.
Function of the left hand and other non-verbal communication
6.
Use of the baton, baton grip, posture, and stance
Attendance Requirement:
A maximum of one absence is allowed for the entire semester. Additional absences may result in a lower grade.
Procedures and Grading:
Since you will conduct during classes, you are expected to practice outside of class and prepare the chapters
assigned in the textbook. All conducting exercises in the class may be used for grading purposes; therefore class
participation is an important factor in determining grades.

Instrumentalists will be required to bring their instruments every week to provide an ensemble for
conductors. Vocalists and instrumentalist are expected to practice and perform the music that will be
conducted each week on either piano or a secondary instrument.

Class participation includes the ability of each student to conduct repertoire being used in class, and
respond to the ensemble’s performance. Preparation of musical examples is crucial to error detection and
freedom of conducting gesture, so daily practice will be expected.

Students will be responsible for a one page written observation of a conductor, after having attended a
rehearsal of the New York Philharmonic (see separate handout) or another instrumental or choral concert
if attendance at the Philharmonic is not possible.
Grades
The following observable elements will be used to determine your grade:
 Class attendance
 Demonstrative class participation
 Performance on conducting exams (videotaped sessions)
 Exams or quizzes
 Written assignments
Fall 2011 Fundamentals of Conducting Syllabus
Undergrad Section 2
Baton Purchase
The Mollard Baton is standard for most conductors. They make a number of styles of baton, but the P and S are
generally what most conductors use. The options are 12 or 14-inch lengths, a variety of woods used for the
handle, and shaft finish. It is possible to purchase a baton along with a few accessories directly from Mollard via the
company website: www.mollard.com. As a class, we may also collect the funds and order our batons from the
company as a group.
Course Calendar
September 12:
Introduction: Lessons 1 and 2 (in text) - bring an instrument to all classes.
September 19:
Lessons 3 and 4
September 26:
Lesson 5 & Videotaping
October 3:
Lesson 6 and 7 PURCHASE BATON FOR NEXT CLASS
October 10:
No Class
October 17:
Lessons 6, 7 (Review) and 8 (Introduce Midterm)
October 24:
Lesson 10
October 31:
Review Lesson 10 and introduce 11
November 7:
Midterm Conducting Exam (for videotaping)
November 14:
Lessons 16 and 17
November 21:
Lessons 18 and 20
November 28:
Lessons 21 and 22
December 5:
Lesson 24 and 25 and 26
December 12:
CONDUCTING FINAL (videotaping)
December 19:
CONDUCTING FINAL (videotaping)
Fall 2011 Fundamentals of Conducting Syllabus
Undergrad Section 2