The Conductor as Leader: Principles of Leadership Applied to Life on the Podium

Vision, trust, persuasion, and character are just a few of the key concepts explored in this volume that brings the wealth of leadership literature to bear on the business of running a musical ensemble. The book argues that the role of a conductor is more than just to cue entrances, hold fermatas, and execute final cutoffs with a flourish—it should also be about inspiring the musicians in front of him or her, helping them subscribe to the conductor’s vision for the group, and spurring them to work together as people. This proposal applies the principles that business leaders have turned to for years to the task of leading a musical ensemble, so that whether readers are standing before a fourth grade chorus or a philharmonic orchestra, they will be inspired to go beyond teaching notes and rhythms to learning how to build connections between people that enhance their quality of life and their music performance.