Lead Like the Great Conductors
This TED Talk made a lot of sense to me.
Having played music for about 20 years now, I have had a fair number of conductors to work under. Even the language we use (such as work under) implies quite a lot about our role in an orchestra, or any other type of ensemble which has a conductor.
The main message from Maestro Talgam is that no matter how much control you have over your musicians, real success can only come from working with musicians as partners in musicking. I have to say that from the other side of the podium in the orchestra this is critical in my approach to playing. Though I try to always play as musically and as accurately as possible, I do have to say that if a conductor completely disregards my thoughts or ideas about a piece, I am much less likely to be cooperative. Even to acknowledge my input (whether it is the "right" interpretation or not) will give me a sense of ownership over the music we are playing.
To take my experience and move to the conductor's podium is a little scary though. Becoming a teacher who is not only "on" during class, but also in the spotlight during so many rehearsals is a little daunting. I am sure it is easy to get caught up with worrying about learning scores, figuring out how to encourage students to attend all rehearsals, and just learning the notes. How to move from there to the concert with an approach that works in partnership with students is quite a challenge (at least in my mind).
Questions that arise:
How do I get to this stage of respect with the musicians I'm leading?
If less is more, how to we go from showing everything with our conducting to drawing it out of our musicians of their own accord?
That's definitely a difficult thing to work with. It's important to acknowledge the person's own interpretation of the piece, and to act like what the thoughts they have are valid. I think comprising where possible is always a good option - it creates respect on both sides, and creates less of a "coductor is god" kind of relationship - more co-operative, I guess? However, if compromising will not work for the effect you are trying to achieve, just speaking to them nicely about it is the best option. You could compliment them on their interpretation, but say, "I would like it if we could try it this way instead", or something similar.
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