This Music Education Talk took place at Cardiff University in April, 2024.
Should versatility be considered advantageous for a conductor? The debate surrounding the dichotomy of the complete conductor versus the incomplete conductor persists. Historically, before the flourishing of virtuoso conductors around 1913, the specifics of conducting pedagogy were delivered through a master-apprentice relationship. However, contemporary approaches have shifted towards more varied, standardised, and generalised methods of mentorship and experiential learning. In this talk, I delve into the intricate relationship between the conducting profession and education by employing an ethnographic approach.Drawing from my journey as a conductor, I will provide insight into the importance of versatility and pluralism in practice. Based on my experiences from Guangzhou (China) to Cardiff, Glasgow, and London, I will share how my conducting trajectory has been shaped by my multifaceted roles in vocal performance, composition, musicology, and teaching. Furthermore, I will present my research findings from interviews conducted with seven conductors affiliated with leading music organisations in the UK, including the LSO, RSNO, BBC NOW,Edinburgh International Festival, Glyndebourne Opera, NYCoS, and DunedinConsort. Through these discussions, commonalities in educational backgrounds and the shared experiences of leadership and followership among the seven conductors, particularly in their early careers, will be highlighted.
