conductor lessons(20點)

I don’t think there are conductor lessons offered by any music schools for a 12-year-old child anywhere in the world, let alone in Hong Kong.

There are no qualifying examinations for conducting. Some seminars on conducting are held occasionally in Europe and USA. (short courses) Even so, I wonder if they accept a child.

A music conductor is the leader of any music group including orchestras, bands or choirs. One must know conductor is much more than just how to twirl the baton. He/She dedicates many hours to his or her orchestra, with the goal of presenting a flawless performance when the big time comes – a job that is both physically and mentally demanding. To be a good conductor, one has to be a leader. Of course, music skills, knowledge of various musical instruments and experience are likely to be taken for granted. Perhaps the most important ability a conductor must possess is his/her innate knack to engage in effective verbal communication at rehearsal, while doing just as good a job silently communicating through physical body movements during performance. Above all, a conductor must earn the respect from all members of the orchestra. (樂隊成員要服你) How can examiners formally assess that in the examination?

If a 12-year-old child has passed all the piano or violin examinations already, the best one can do is to find a group of players or singers who need a conductor – I mean in school, church, or community centre … etc - and go from there. Apart from that, one can always hire a private tutor if there is a good one.