Conducting Techniques and Notable Conductors

Conducting Techniques

• A conductor holds the baton in front of them.
• The baton is raised and quickly swung downwards, signifying the start of the music.
• The right hand controls the rhythm of the music.
• The right hand moves the baton up and down to maintain the beat.
• The right hand controls the tempo, indicating whether the music should flow smoothly or be strong and booming.
• The left hand helps by indicating how the music should be played, including its style.
• Facial expressions are used to emphasize and clarify messages through the left hand.
• The baton has a weighted base and a wooden shaft.

Myung-Whun Chung

• Born in 1953 in South Korea.
• A pianist and conductor.
• Collaborated with various renowned orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.

Simon Rattle

• Born in 1955.
• British conductor.
• Conducted the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.
• A popular recording artist.

Marin Alsop

• Born in 1956.
• American conductor.
• The first woman to lead a major US orchestra in 2007 (Baltimore Symphony Orchestra).

Gustavo Dudamel

• Born in 1981.
• Venezuelan conductor.
• Grew up in a musical family through Venezuela's music education program (El Sistema).
• Currently Music Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.