Beyond the Baton : What Every Conductor Needs to Know

Beyond the Baton is a view of the music director''s job from the inside - starting at the moment you decide you want to be a conductor, through your first job, to being a successful artistic leader within a community. This book will revolutionize the way conductors think about their duties, both on and off the podium, and give a glimpse of the realities of the music director job to those not involved in the field.

Seasoned conductor Diane Wittry draws a comprehensive roadmap to a successful career in Beyond the Baton. With first-hand understanding of how the role of the conductor has changed across the years, she expertly examines the new set of duties--both on and off of the podium--that now fall upon the shoulders of the music director. From getting a job to fundraising and educational outreach, Wittry''s comprehensive tips and strategies guide students and professional conductors alike through the leadership and organizational skills necessary for success. Numerous real-life examples illustrate vital skills for artistic leadership such as programming subscription, pops, and educational concerts; understanding the budget and the music director''s role in funding the artistic vision; and presenting speeches, and radio and televised interviews. In informative conversations with the author, successful conductors Leonard Slatkin, Robert Spano, and JoAnn Falletta offer tips from personal experience on how music directors can work successfully with orchestras, and what their roles are with the board and the community.