Orchestral Conductor Overview
Required Education and Training To Become an Orchestral Conductor
Best Schools to become a Orchestral Conductor in U.S. 2024
Berklee College of Music
In-State Tuition:$46,950
Out-of-State Tuition:$46,950
Admission Rate:54%
Graduation Rate:69%
Total Enrollment:8,282
Indiana University-Bloomington
In-State Tuition:$10,012
Out-of-State Tuition:$37,685
Admission Rate:82%
Graduation Rate:81%
Total Enrollment:47,005
Johns Hopkins University
In-State Tuition:$60,480
Out-of-State Tuition:$60,480
Admission Rate:7%
Graduation Rate:94%
Total Enrollment:31,275
University of Rochester
In-State Tuition:$60,550
Out-of-State Tuition:$60,550
Admission Rate:39%
Graduation Rate:90%
Total Enrollment:12,197
Los Angeles Film School
In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$N/A
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:46%
Total Enrollment:5,588
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
In-State Tuition:$10,656
Out-of-State Tuition:$25,990
Admission Rate:86%
Graduation Rate:72%
Total Enrollment:41,155
Orchestral Conductor Job Description:
- Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.
Required Skills and Competencies To Become an Orchestral Conductor
Job Duties for Orchestral Conductors
Direct groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.
Study scores to learn the music in detail, and to develop interpretations.
Use gestures to shape the music being played, communicating desired tempo, phrasing, tone, color, pitch, volume, and other performance aspects.
Technologies and Skills Used by Orchestral Conductors
Music or sound editing software
- Audacity
- ZynAddSubFX
Presentation software
- MediaShout
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
Basic Skills
- Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
- Talking to others
People and Technology Systems
- Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it
- Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
Problem Solving
- Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it