The Choral Conductor and the Ensemble Creating the Psychological Bridge Tim Sharp, Executive Director American Choral Directors Association

Do you think that emotional self-control is important for a conductor?

Do you think that emotional self-control is important for a conductor? 76% yes 15% rather

Assuming excellent musicianship, what are the three most important characteristics for a conductor to possess?

Assuming excellent musicianship, what are the three most important characteristics for a conductor to possess? Enthusiasm 26% Confidence 21% Authority 17% Efficiency 17% Organization 14% Persuasiveness 5%

If the conductor has excellent musicianship but not the three characteristics identified above, how eager are you to work with him/her?

If the conductor has excellent musicianship but not the three characteristics identified above, how eager are you to work with him/her? Very and Somewhat 2% and 47% = 49% Little and Not at All 37% and 14% = 51%

What kind of conductor do you most like working with?

What kind of conductor do you most like working with? Encouraging 31% Friendly 21% Intense 20% Relaxed 15% Talkative 6% Quiet 6% Reserved 0%

How should a conductor react to mistakes by an ensemble?

How should a conductor react to mistakes by an ensemble? 78% Point out mistakes and repeat the passage until fixed. 13% Point out mistakes and move on to next passage. 9% Repeat the passage and then go on.

How should a conductor react to their own mistakes?

How should a conductor react to their own mistakes? Admit them and try to improve 77% Admit them and apologize 22%

What will you do if you don’t like this conductor?

What will you do if you don’t like this conductor? 37% Doesn’t matter, just focus on the music. 31% Criticize the conductor privately, but not in rehearsal. 16% Be indifferent. 11% Quit.

If the rehearsal is not going smoothly and the conductor loses his/her temper, what sort of emotional response will you accept?

If the rehearsal is not going smoothly and the conductor loses his/her temper, what sort of emotional response will you accept? 24% The conductor gives a long speech. 22% The conductor shows an angry face. 14% The conductor expresses frustration with a sign. 11% Loud yelling. (Walks out 6%, Speaks sarcastically 6%, Weeps 2%, Throws music in anger 1%)

Do you have a different attitude toward an assistant conductor from the actual conductor?

Do you have a different attitude toward an assistant conductor from the actual conductor? Yes 28% Somewhat 37% No 35%

How long does it take you to acclimatize to a new conductor?

How long does it take you to acclimatize to a new conductor? Within a month 72% 1-2 months 19%

What kind of conductor will you never trust?

What kind of conductor will you never trust? 40% One who changes mind constantly 30% One who is poorly organized 24% One who shows no emotional self-control

Do you think a conductor will compromise professionalism if they acknowledge their mistakes?

Do you think a conductor will compromise professionalism if they acknowledge their mistakes? Yes 5% Somewhat 5%

Do you think conductor and performers should have a personal friendship?

Do you think conductor and performers should have a personal friendship? No 47% May be necessary 33% Very necessary 13% Somewhat 7%

Do you think a personal friendship between the conductor and ensemble members will effect the rehearsal?

Do you think a personal friendship between the conductor and ensemble members will effect the rehearsal? Yes 43% Somewhat 35% No 22%

If it effects the rehearsal, how does it effect the rehearsal?

If it effects the rehearsal, how does it effect the rehearsal? Positively 38% Negatively 16% Not sure 46%

What do you think a conductor should do if there is poor interaction between them and the ensemble?

What do you think a conductor should do if there is poor interaction between them and the ensemble? 71% Communicate openly with ensemble. 27% Keep patient and try to do a good job.

What is the ideal emotional condition for a conductor while performing?

What is the ideal emotional condition for a conductor while performing? 53% 50% calm and 50% emotional involvement 22% 20% calm and 80% emotional involvement 16% 80% calm and 20% emotional involvement

Who should take the responsibility if the performance fails?

Who should take the responsibility if the performance fails? 67% The ensemble and the conductor. 24% Do not assign responsibility. 9% The conductor. 0% The ensemble.

In order of important traits for a conductor,

In order of important traits for a conductor, Leader 46% Teacher 43% Friend 11%

What is the motivation that makes you want to join an ensemble?

What is the motivation that makes you want to join an ensemble? The Music 50% Working with other players 24% Doesn’t matter 1% The Conductor 25%