What do music directors actually do?
Musical direction is where musical skill and talent meet the ability to lead persons to achieve as a group. Choir directors, band leaders, the person who coordinates all the items on a fundraising concert, they are not just musicians but leaders.
Often when there are artists involved in a project, whether they are performers or creators there is a need for a guiding hand to ensure that all the persons involved are doing the right things at the right time in the correct way. There are persons who have made careers in filling this gap.
What does it take?
The successful director must be able to speak with authority, demonstrate what they require and lead others to behave musically with joy and with courage. Speaking from authority comes from knowledge and experience. The successful director is one who studies and practices. They read, research, listen to music and rarely backs away from a challenge to execute a musical idea.
They are musicians, they have studied an instrument or how to use their voices and that is how they are able to demonstrate to the group members what is required. They know what is to be a member of a musical group because they have signed up for many in their lifetimes. They know from experience what it is like to follow a musical director and so they have compassion for the challenges of both being a director and also a musical group member.
They think about the nature of leadership at all times and seek to understand what motivates individuals to perform not only at their best but to seek to exceed their present experience and pursue excellence. They understand that there needs to be a balance between work and play. They have developed a sense of when to employ humor and the right time to take a break from practice and hard work.
Music directors are definitely educated at the college level.
The Diploma in Performance and the Development of Leadership
Avant Academy of Music is offering a Diploma in Performance which is geared towards developing leadership through a process of mentorship, ensemble work, and work experience through performing.
Private Lessons give the student the authority from understanding their instrument and learning to sight-read. Music Theory up to grade 5 sets the framework for basic composition and arranging useful for working with voices, choirs or bands. The ensemble program exposes the students to rehearsal techniques and a wide range of musical problems in various styles and genres. They get to work with a bandleader and to be the bandleader.
The Diploma program lays a good foundation for becoming a music director giving the student the skills to start acting as a director immediately or to move on to higher study.
Make the first step
Contact us if you want more information on how the programs at Avant Academy of Music can help you to become a music director. We can recommend a musical path that will give you a strong foundation.
Email: info@avantacademyofmusic.com
WhatsApp: (876) 829-3702