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Craig V. Hamilton

Conducting: Diagnosis and Prescription

One of the major responsibilities of the conductor is to
listen to the sounds the ensemble is creating and offer
suggestions for improvement. Similar to a doctor, the
conductor makes a diagnosis and offers a prescription for
making the sound better.

The conductor’s diagnosis is based on a solid aural image
of the composition. This aural image can only be achieved
through thorough score study. The conductor should have
the “sound in his ear” before ever standing in front of the
ensemble.

If the sounds created
don’t match the “ideal”,

the conductor must

instantaneously decide
what the problem is and
how to “fix” it.

Problem solving from the podium becomes easier with The ensemble must also know where the subdivisions
experience and study. Another way conductors can hone are and how their rhythm fits within those subdivisions.
their skills is by observing other’s rehearsals. Most ensemble Many rhythmic problems can be solved by improving one’s
problems fall into several musical categories – rhythm, conducting – be very clear with patterns. Some rhythmic
balance, blend, dynamics, and style. accuracy problems are because of ties or ornamentation.
Remove ties and ornamentation to make the rhythm easier
Rhythmic problems usually stem from rushing, dragging, and then replace them once the rhythm is understood. The
playing wrong rhythms, or not connecting composite best solution for any rhythmic problems is to slow the tempo
rhythms. The first step in solving rhythmic problems is and return to performance tempo incrementally.
to make sure everyone is “speaking the same language.”
Whether you use “1-e-and-a” or “1-ta-te-ta” or something Make sure the ensemble knows where composite rhythms
else – everyone needs to understand how to count rhythms. occur and who continues each part of the line. Remember
It is crucial to establish a pulse either through one’s that the conductor is the only one that can see that the
conducting, a metronome, or a drummer. rhythm continues in other voices.

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