Basic Techniques of Conducting (Spiral-bound)

by Kenneth H. Phillips (Author) "The conducting profession is thought to be a world filled with glamour and recognition..." (more)
Key Phrases: clear ictus, rhythmic breathing motion, downbeat ictus, Silent Night, The Handsome Butcher, Circle Drill (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Finally--a reasonable beginning textbook. Logical progression of skills. Paced beautifully. Visually laid out well. Good choices for examples. Instrumental and vocal parts a real plus."--Carol Dunevant, Northern Kentucky University

"Clear, precise, 'hands-on' approach; nice to have examples in both choral and instrumental format."--Cherilee Wadsworth Walker, East Central University, OK

"Wonderful textbook for a first semester beginning conducting class. As with all of K. Phillip's work, every aspect of the book is meticulously well planned and organized and thoughtfully explained. Examples are thoroughly coordinated with the text and appropriately varied."--Vance D. Wolverton, California State University-Fullerton

"Very basic, thorough, comprehensive, and well organized. An excellent introductory text."--Will Schwartz, Colorado State University

"Organized in a step-by-step manner and easily understood. I appreciate the variety of musical examples, terms, and skills needed at each level of conducting. This is the first book I feel is practical to use."--Charles L. Yingling, Southwestern College, Kansas

"Very thorough. The examples are clear and comprehensible at a glance. The evaluation forms are useful."--Robert W. Peck, Louisiana Tech University

"Superb effort by Dr. Phillips. He is a consummate educator with practical approaches to the essential skills of conducting. His pedagogy is most sound and the pacing/sequencing of this method is right on target for undergraduate beginning conductors. I congratulate him on another successful publication."--Timothy J. Sharer, Wayne State College

"Excellent sequence of lessons. Format is very useful for organization of semester."--John F. Warren, University of Miami

"Excellent organization; love the instrumental parts (transposition) for examples; great evaluation sheets."--Jeff Bell, Indiana Wesleyan University

"Very comprehensive, obviously written by someone with great experience and skill in teaching this subject."--James Beaumier, Coker College

Product Description
Systematic, practical, and thorough, Basic Techniques of Conducting is the only work of its kind which provides a clear instructional strategy and a basic methodology for learning the physical gestures and concepts essential for the development of a convincing conducting technique upon which to build a personal style.

Unlike similar books, which tend to downplay the significance of the basic physical properties of conducting, the primary focus of this guide is on the development of the psychomotor skills needed for clear and expressive conducting. Each of the thirty lessons introduces basic conducting techniques in a developmental sequence, and includes a review of previous techniques, "guided practice" segments for group practice of new techniques, and "assignment" sections for independent study and practice.

Illustrated with many photos and conducting diagrams as well as numerous choral and instrumental musical examples for directed conducting practice, this engaging and accessible work offers all of the content necessary to build a solid foundation of conducting skills.

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Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 256 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (February 13, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195099370
• ISBN-13: 978-0195099379
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #395,403 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Learning to conduct., October 24, 2000

By	Jonathan Brown (Warsaw, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This book was an OK source for learning the basics of conducting. It was well illustrated with pictures of the beat patterns and proper body language, but it was at times a little to over bearing. Terminology was sometimes overused and over the readers head. I feel that it is still a good manual because it teaches you not only instrumental conducting, but choral as well. Including how to conduct a chorus and a orchestra simultaneously. If you are a beginner, this book is for you.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars overej, September 6, 2005

By	Derek W. Over - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It's a good book. Great for anyone who is going to conduct a choral or instrumental group!

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not good, November 23, 2005

By	Sean D. Smith - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I do not think this is a good book. The diagrams are not great because the patterns are not very good. The editing on the music is also not very good and sometimes there is to much for such a short work. I would go with a better book like the Rudolph.