INSTRUMENTAL CONDUCTING I
MUCD 343 – 2 credits
Michael Powers, Instructor
Office: Room 219, United University Church
Email: mcpowers@usc.edu
Office Hours: By appointment only please
Conducting Studies Office: MUS 308, (213) 740-7416, Gordon Lacross, Dept. Coordinator
Course Description:
This course is designed to equip the music student with the fundamental skills of
conducting. These include a basic introduction to reading, studying and communicating a
score to an ensemble. Members of the class will function as an ensemble and each
person will conduct on a number of occasions throughout the semester.
Course Content:
An introduction to:
1. The basics of score reading
2. Basic score instrumentation in English, Italian and German
3. Knowledge of the transposing instruments
4. Transposition by interval
5. Alto, Tenor Clefs
6. Use of the C clefs for transposition
7. Phrasal Analysis and Phrasal Analysis Charts as an aid to memorization
8. Knowledge of all beat patterns
9. The development of baton and left hand technique
10. The knowledge of the critical difference between time-beating and conducting
11. The development of an articulate and expressive conducting technique and style
12. Basics of rehearsal procedures and technique (see rehearsal attendance requirement)
Required Materials:
1. Baton approved by the Instructor
2. Course Reader by Sharon Lavery
3. Score: Beethoven, Symphony No. 1
4. CD recording of excerpts from Course Reader
5. recordable mini DVD (DVD+RW)
Grading:
Quizzes
Assignments
Preparation for Conducting Opportunities
Final Conducting Exam
25%
25%
25%
25%
Conducting Department Attendance Policy:
1. The only allowable absences from class are for health reasons or major conflicts
within the school of music.
2. If you are ill, involved in an accident or are in some other way detained, you are
required to call the Conducting Studies Office (see number above). When leaving
a message regarding your case, please state your name, class hour and date of
projected absence. Note: it is unacceptable to send word through a friend, you
must report each absence or tardiness to the Conducting Office.
3. A doctor’s note will be required for any illness lasting longer than one week.
4. Three unexcused absences will lower the grade one level. Each additional
unexcused absence (beyond the third) will cause the grade to be lowered another
level. More than six unexcused absences will result in a failing grade.
5. Tardiness will require an excuse, after 10 minutes it may be counted as an
absence.
6. Any written assignment must be delivered to the Conducting Office within one
day following an absence. Exams missed by reason of absence will need to be
made up the following class day during a time worked out by the instructor and
student.
Disability statement: Any student requesting academic accommodations based on a
disability is required to register with Disability Services and Programs (DSP) each
semester. A letter of verification for approved accommodations can be obtained from
DSP. The letter must be delivered to the instructor as early in the semester as possible.
DSP is located in STU 301 and is open 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The
phone number for DSP is 213/740-0776
REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT
Throughout the semester, all Instrumental Conducting I (MUCD 343) class members are required
to attend three rehearsals of one of the following ensembles: USC Thornton Symphony, USC
Thornton Chamber Orchestra, or USC Thornton Wind Ensemble. Depending on your schedule, it
would be most beneficial to attend a variety of these ensembles to expand your opportunity for
growth. Even though only three are required, you are most welcome to attend all rehearsals and
concerts throughout the semester.
The purpose of attending these rehearsals is to be introduced to the basics of rehearsal procedures
and technique. Take copious notes during the rehearsals and type a one page
critique/commentary of what you observed. This paper will be due within 72 hours of the
rehearsal you attended.
Some examples of points to comment on for this paper are: Was the rehearsal time used
efficiently by the conductor? Were ensemble problems attended to and/or fixed? Were there
clear suggestions or solutions provided by the conductor to fix any problems? Did it seem like a
generally organized rehearsal with goals accomplished? Was the conductor inspiring or boring?
Were the musicians engaged? Did the rehearsal start and/or end positively, negatively?
You may also want to consider general reactions such as: Did you learn anything new about the
pieces rehearsed? What did you hear with regard to balance, color or overall sound? How did
this rehearsal compare to others you’ve attended in the past?
*Do not feel the need to comment on all of the above examples specifically, they are just ideas
provided to help you consider what it takes to run an efficient rehearsal and to inspire you to open
your ears and learn! Remember, keep your focus on gaining an inside knowledge of an ensemble
rehearsal and how one might rehearse.*
The Thornton Symphony and Chamber Orchestra typically give 3 concerts per semester,
sometimes 4, and the Thornton Wind Ensemble typically 2. It is advised to attend one of the
earlier rehearsals given by the maestro/a conducting the concert. Rehearsals in Booth 100 and
MUS 105 are preferable because of the intimacy you will experience with the development of an
ensemble performance. Please arrive at these rehearsals early so as not to disrupt the conductor.
Chairs will be provided for you in areas unobtrusive to the ensemble. Note: rehearsals of
orchestration readings or film score sessions are not allowable for these assignments, they do not
serve the purpose of learning about a typical symphonic rehearsal.
The following rehearsal locations and times are provided as to where and when each ensemble
*typically rehearses:
Symphony – Booth Music Hall 100, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:00-4:50pm.
Chamber Orchestra – MUS 105, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:00-4:50pm.
Wind Ensemble – Booth 100, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 2:00-3:50
All rehearsals for each ensemble are posted on their respective rehearsal boards. The Symphony
and Chamber Orchestra rehearsal board is located on the wall opposite the entrance to Booth 100,
The Wind Ensemble’s is located on the board outside of the Music Operations Office (Booth
Music Hall 101). In addition, all rehearsal information is listed on the Rehearsal Hotline: (213)
821-1451.
*Please see attached for specific rehearsal/concert schedules.