Conducting Tips
As a conductor, you set the constant example of good musicianship: How to stand, what to feel, How to phrase the music, when to breathe, and how loud or soft to sing. Through this column, you will gradually learn how to become a competent, comfortable conductor. Each lesson can be incorporated into your current technique, and at no point do you toss everything out the window and start over.
Lesson 1: Some Quick Fixes
I. General Body Position
A conductor assumes the perfect stance for singing: His feet are under his hips, his weight centered, his shoulders back, and his head in the natural position of friendly conversation. The overall appearance is relaxed, not at all awkward. If you feel awkward in your stance, practice the posture at home and in the daily walk of life until it becomes natural for you.
II. The Beat
A conductor’s beat pattern is ideally in the middle of his body and just below the face, so that the choir can easily see and read both. The beat "happens" when the hand or baton tip changes direction. This beatpoint is called the "ictus". In order for this ictus to be clearly seen, other conflicting body movements must go. Keep the wrist straight, and keep the elbows and shoulders from moving up and down. Don’t let you head or knees bounce with the beat.
III. Breathing
A conductor breathes where he wants the choir to breathe. Take full, proper singing breaths, not by raising the shoulders or gasping, but rather by expanding the chest cavity, drawing the diaphragm down, and opening the throat. Breathe exactly as you would if you were preparing to sing the phrase for which the breath is intended. When the conductor breathes effectively, breath marks are nearly unnecessary, and proper phrasing happens more naturally.