9781538154588

1538154587

9781538154595

1538154595

9781538154601

Conductors face a multitude of hurdles as they strive to obtain a foothold in the professional world. Once they have attained a position, there are obstacles both on and off the podium to keeping that position as well as advancing in the profession. Founding conductor of the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, pedagogue, and frequent guest conductor for both pops and classical concerts, Carl Topilow is in a unique position to help conductors navigate their careers. The Orchestral Conductor's Career Handbook takes readers through the step-by-step process of establishing a career in orchestral conducting. Through his experiences with professional, pops, conservatory, community, youth, summer festival, opera and ballet orchestras, Topilow provides practical tips for conductors of any orchestra type and at any level of their development. Filled with personal stories from Topilow's career, the handbook provides insights on an array of topics, including applying for conducting programs and conducting positions, connecting with audiences, developing interpersonal relations within the orchestra family, starting your own orchestra, interacting with donors, and beyond. It also presents fresh ideas for programming, rehearsing, and approaches to standard repertoire pieces. - Publisher.

"The Orchestral Conductor's Career Handbook is a guide for the musical and professional development of conductors. Carl Topilow provides practical advice for establishing a conducting career, addressing topics like education, jobs, orchestra types, programming, connecting with audiences, and even business aspects such as interacting with donors"-- Provided by publisher.

Getting Started

Finding a School with the Right Program for You

The Next Steps

How to Win a Job

and Keep It!

Thoughts on Programming

The Rehearsal

Pops Concerts

Guest Conducting

Music Director Roles with Different Types of Orchestras

The Audition

For the Auditioner and the Auditionee

Regarding Interpretation

On the Podium Clarity

Practical Repertoire Suggestions for Select Standard Repertoire Pieces

Coda

Appendix 1. Carl's Definition of Conducting and Needed Qualities

Appendix 2.Carl's Cliches and Tenets

Appendix 3. Pops Programs and Themes

Appendix 4. Programming

Appendix 5. Cue Sheet Samples

Appendix 6. Transcriptions, Arrangements, and Orchestrations

Appendix 7. Syllabus and Repertoire for Beginning Conducting Class.

Conducting > Vocational guidance > United States.