Details

Three-day courses for dedicated conducting students

There are a number of very fine conducting courses available in the UK at present. Those at senior conservatoire level provide focused individual tuition combined with opportunities to conduct orchestras and ensembles, but obviously require a commitment to full time study of between one and three years. The various summer schools operate on a much shorter time scale so are more applicable to those students who cannot invest such a commitment to time, but by their nature use students in large and unwieldy numbers, thereby reducing the individual focus that is so often critical to the participant.

Peter Stark’s Instrumental Conducting Courses are short and intensive. By operating in small groups (usually from four to eight students) much emphasis is placed on observing individual skills and difficulties as demonstrated in workshop sessions. The numerous discussion sessions are analytical and critical, but within a supportive context. Every member of the course should go away with a clear idea of how he/she comes across in a working situation, and how to proceed towards further development in their own environment.

Baton technique is discussed in great detail, but specifically as a means to an end, rather than an end in itself. Technique is viewed as a way of demonstrating advanced musical ideas; phrasing, balance, architecture etc., in other words as a way of using controlled gesture to communicate one’s concepts and thoughts.

The courses are aimed at anyone from advanced student to professional. They cater for those who have purpose and vision, rather than just conducting experience. The small class forms an ad hoc ensemble to use as a vehicle for practical sessions, to criticise and to help whoever is directing. Each course focuses on 4-5 study works, which are chosen to provide challenges for the director rather than to intimidate the players!