Date
9-2019
Department
School of Music
Degree
Master of Arts in Music Education (MA)
Chair
Daniel Suttles
Keywords
Conducting, Conducting Styles, Modern Conducting, Commercial Conducting
Disciplines
Music | Music Education
Recommended Citation
McDowell, Mark Edward, "Modern Conducting: An Exhibition of Traditional and Commercial Conducting" (2019). Masters Theses. 597.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/masters/597
Abstract
From the 20th century onward, there has been many notable musical and technological developments. These developments have led to the formation of new musical genres and commercial ensembles. The new genres and commercial ensembles have pertinent implications for modern conductors. In addition to traditional forms such as instrumental, choral, and mixed ensembles, modern conductors must be aware of the unique characteristics of the new commercial ensembles. These new ensembles include the film scoring stage, the jazz ensemble, and the worship ensemble. In addition to utilizing the fundamental concepts of traditional conducting, modern conductors must also attain a working knowledge of the unique nature of each commercial ensemble. This study investigates the fundamentals of conducting and highlights the distinctive techniques and skill sets that modern conductors must employ to effectively direct traditional and commercial ensembles. In particular, the ensemble characteristics, performance practices, accompanying technological necessities, and recommended conducting techniques are discussed in detail for the new commercial ensemble types.
