WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
School of Music
MUS 2150 Conducting
Course Syllabus
Fall 2016
MWF 8:00-8:50 am
Instructor
Dr. Steve Wolfinbarger
Office: 1420 Dalton Center
E-mail: [email protected]
Graduate Assistants
Laura Hubbard Zilhaver: [email protected]
John Leonard: [email protected]
Kristina Riewaldt: [email protected]
Course Objectives:
1. To identify and develop habits and behaviors exhibited by successful conductors/educators. Emphasis
will be on fundamental skills such as correct posture and baton technique, basic patterns, fermatas,
cueing, clef reading, transposition, and musical terminology. Other areas of focus including, but not
limited to, score preparation, communicative gestures incorporating baton, left hand, and facial
techniques, error detection and correction, and application of musical knowledge will also be covered.
2. To develop skills necessary in leading people in the recreation of musical experiences.
Required Materials:
Text: Hunsberger and Ernst. The Art of Conducting. Second Edition. New York, McGraw-Hill, 1992
Other: Baton (12 to 15 inch) and SDHC 8 GB (min) memory card for video recording on digital video camera
Course Requirements:
1. Class Attendance/Participation: Be prepared to discuss reading assignments and conduct assigned
exercises at each class meeting. Have instruments (as appropriate) in each class for ensemble
participation. Attendance is expected at every class meeting. It is understood that severe illness,
personal emergencies, and Acts of God do occur, and for this reason the first three absences (regardless
of the reason) will not count against you. After the third absence grades will be reduced by one
percentage point per absence from your final grade. Three tardies will equal one absence. Tardies
will be defined as entering the room after class has begun. Anyone entering after 8:15 am will be
designated absent. Conducting assignments missed due to absence will not be made up. It is strongly
preferred that written assignments be submitted to E-learning according to the course calendar unless
indicated differently by the instructor. When written work is submitted via hard copy, it is due at the
beginning of class and will not be accepted after 8:15am. If you are absent on the day of a conducting
exam, it will generally not be possible to make up the exam. Exceptions are made only with
documentation from a medical doctor or a university official.
2. Observations: Each student will complete two types of observations.
a. Self Observations: You will get significant podium time to conduct throughout the course. You
are required to videotape your conducting on each occasion. It is essential that you spend time
reviewing your conducting footage and critiquing yourself. During your private lessons the GAs
will discuss the videotape footage, so you must review it on your own.
b. Conductor Observations: Additionally, you must complete three observations, each lasting one
hour, of a professional conductor. You may choose to observe a conductor from WMU or a
public school teacher. If you would like to observe a conductor not in the category above you
must get permission from Professor Wolfinbarger. One of your observations must be in an area
that is not your specialty (i.e., band musicians must observe a choral conductor, etc). Finally, it
is a professional courtesy to inform the conductor of your intent to observe ahead of time. Your
observations must be double spaced using one inch margins, be in a 12-point font, and at least
one page each in length. Observation guidelines are included with this syllabus, and the
observations are due no later than Wednesday, November 23.
3. Private Lessons: Each student will take a private lesson with the graduate student teaching your lab
during each two-week period that a new chapter is being studied. The lessons will be 20-30 minutes in
length and will be scheduled outside of class time. At the lessons they will review your conducting
video and discuss/conduct areas in which each student needs development. Each student should also be
prepared to conduct the excerpts that are currently being studied in the chapter at the time of the lesson.
4. Article Critiques: Read five articles on the subject of conducting and prepare a one-page word
processed critique of each article (i.e. five one-page critiques). The critique should be double spaced,
using one inch margins, and be in a 12-point font. You must also include proper bibliographic
information at the top. Each critique should represent your ability to synthesize information and present
it in a cogent fashion. Do not turn in a blow-by-blow account of the article; instead, select a few points
(two to three) from the article and comment on them. Did the author reinforce something we discussed
in class? Did the author mention anything you have never considered before? Were there new or
interesting approaches/strategies given? Do you agree with the points made in the article? Did you learn
something new? And so on. Check the course calendar for due dates.
5. Conducting/Written Exams: At least one conducting exam will occur at the end of each chapter. The
exam will be graded by your graduate assistant and/or instructor. These exams will give the student an
opportunity to demonstrate the skills presented in each chapter. In addition, there will be a midterm
conducting exam covering previous material and a final conducting exam which will be based on
material covered after the midterm. Although the final exam will not be cumulative in terms of specific
conducting examples, the skills necessary for successful conducting (including, but not limited to,
correct posture and baton technique, basic patterns, fermatas, left-hand technique, cueing, score
study/preparation, and podium presence/leadership) are cumulative in nature and will therefore be
factors in evaluation. For the final conducting exam, you will be required to conduct three selections for
Professor Wolfinbarger. Additionally, those who must register for MUS-3300 or MUS-3310 may also
be evaluated on the final conducting exam by either the Director of Bands or the Director of Choral
Studies (depending on your major). In addition to conducting, the final exam will include a written
component based on material covered in class and in the readings. This exam will be administered
during the scheduled exam time during finals week on Wednesday, December 14 at 8 am.
6. Grading Percentages:
Observations and Article Critiques
Private Lessons
Chapter Conducting Exams*
Midterm Exam
Final Exam: Conducting
Final Exam: Written
10%
15%
20%
20%
20%
15%
*Preparation, participation, and professionalism will also factor into the Weekly Conducting Exam percentage.
Rubric for Grading:
For each conducting exam (lab exams, mid-term, and final) you will receive a rubric specific to the exam. For
written work, the following guidelines will be used to determine grades.
Grade of A: Work is complete, represents a thorough, cogent, and well developed presentation of ideas, and is
extremely neat and professional; shows exceptional effort, contains very few or no errors, and would serve as a
model for others.
Grade of B: Work is complete and is neat and professional, but lacks a thorough, cogent, and well developed
presentation of ideas or contains frequent errors including lack of proper citation; shows good effort, but would
not be the best model for others.
Grade of C: Work is somewhat complete or is somewhat sloppy and contains numerous errors; represents an
average presentation of ideas or weak effort.
Grade of D: Work is fairly incomplete, is sloppy or unprofessional and contains numerous errors; represents a
superficial presentation of ideas and weak effort.
Grade of E: Work is very incomplete, late, or not submitted at all, is excessively sloppy or unprofessional;
represents a lack of thought and little or no effort.
For private lessons, the following guidelines will be used to determine grades.
Grade of A: Student is on time, well prepared to conduct the excerpts currently being studied, has video of
conducting footage for review at the lesson and is able to have a thoughtful discussion based on self
observations and observations/feedback of the instructor or graduate assistant.
Grade of B: Student is on time, mostly prepared to conduct the excerpts currently being studied, has video of
conducting footage for review at the lesson but is unable to have a thoughtful discussion based on self
observations and observations/feedback of the instructor or graduate assistant, perhaps indicating that the
student is viewing the conducting footage for the first time at the lesson.
Grade of C: Student is late for the lesson, mostly prepared to conduct the excerpts currently being studied, has
video of conducting footage for review at the lesson but is unable to have a thoughtful discussion based on self
observations and observations/feedback of the instructor or graduate assistant, perhaps indicating that the
student is viewing the conducting footage for the first time at the lesson.
Grade of D: Student is very late for the lesson (more than 15 minutes), unprepared to conduct the excerpts
currently being studied, does not have video of conducting footage for review at the lesson and is unable to have
a thoughtful discussion of conducting footage.
Grade of E: Student does not attend the scheduled lesson.
Other points to consider regarding private lessons:
1. It is important to attend all lessons, be on time, have your conducting video footage, review it ahead of
time yourself, be prepared to conduct excerpts currently under study, and be able to discuss the progress
of your conducting skills.
2. Each lesson is scheduled to be 20-30 minutes in length. If you arrive late, the lesson will still end 20-30
minutes after the scheduled start time.
3. Each of us have busy schedules and lives. While it is understood that illnesses and other things come up,
it will generally not be possible to re-schedule lessons without a doctor's note. The lesson grade will
therefore indicate that the student did not attend and, as a result, will receive a failing grade for that
lesson.
4. These lessons are designed to give you individualized instruction that is not possible in a large
conducting class. Thus, it is my hope that you will take advantage of the opportunity by being prepared,
on time, and eager to develop your conducting skills.
Grading Scale:
A = 93-100
B/A = 88-92
B = 83-87
C/B = 78-82
C = 73-77
D/C = 68-72
D = 60-67
E = 59 and below
Final Thoughts on Grades:
Grading a conducting student is a highly subjective process. As student, you must have faith in the ability and
experience of your instructor to make subjective judgments about your performance as a conductor.
Conducting, the physical part of it, comes very easily to some people and is more difficult for others. The
ability to effectively communicate non-verbally, lead, and rehearse an ensemble comes easily to very few
students. An experienced teacher finds it rather easy to discern which students are really working in the course
(that is, practicing and preparing) and which students are coasting. A word to the wise should suffice.
Late assignments will not be accepted. If you must be absent you must make arrangements to have any
assignments that are due turned in on time.
Stay on top of your course work and do not put off assignments. It will be very difficult to catch up once you are
behind. Work hard, practice regularly, take good notes, seek help when you need it, and do the very best you
can.
Other Important Information:
1. Frequently check the calendar for due dates. All assigned material must be turned in to e-learning at the
beginning of the class on the date it is due. Late assignments cannot be turned in on e-learning or to
the GA or instructor.
2. You are encouraged to review your grades and/or obtain feedback with your conducting graduate
assistant during office hours or by appointment. It is YOUR responsibility to periodically ask for
feedback relative to your progress in the class.
Conducting Assignments:
Chapter 1:
1-1, 1-5, 1-6
Chapter 2:
2-2, 2-4, 2-7
Chapter 3:
3-6, 3-7, handouts (Sweet and Low)
Chapter 4:
4-2, 4-5, handout (Miserere Mei)
Chapter 6:
6-1, 6-2, 6-7
Accommodation for Disabilities
Students with a documented disability (e.g., physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who need to
arrange reasonable accommodations must contact Disability Services for Students located at Woodlawn Place at
the beginning of the semester. A disability determination must be made by this office before any
accommodations are provided by the instructor. For more information, contact DSS (269) 387-2116.
Student academic conduct
You are responsible for making yourself aware of and understanding the academic policies and procedures in
the Undergraduate or Graduate Catalogs (found online, http://catalog.wmich.edu) that pertain to Student rights
and responsibilities. These policies include cheating, fabrication, falsification and forgery, multiple submission,
plagiarism, complicity, and computer misuse. If there is reason to believe you have been involved in academic
dishonesty, you will be referred to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs. You will be given the opportunity to
review the charge(s). If you believe you are not responsible, you will have the opportunity for a hearing. You
should consult with me if you are uncertain about an issue of academic honesty prior to the submission of an
assignment or test.
Conductor Rehearsal Observations
You are to complete three, one-hour observations of a professional conductor in a rehearsal setting.
You may choose to observe a conductor from WMU or a public school teacher. If you would like to
observe a conductor not in the category above you must get permission from Prof. Wolfinbarger. One
of your observations must be in an area that is not your specialty (i.e. if you are a band person you
must observe a choral conductor etc.). Finally, it is a professional courtesy to inform the conductor
of your intent to observe ahead of time. Your observations must be double spaced using one inch
margins, be in a 12-point font, and at least one page each in length.
Suggestions on things to observe and comment:
Technique:
Posture
Effective use of elbow, wrist, hand, baton
Clarity of patterns
Clarity of ictus
Use of vertical and horizontal planes
Musicianship:
Did the conductor use appropriate styles? How did he/she achieve the styles?
Did the conductor use gestures to show the sounds or stop and describe with words?
How did the conductor use his/her gestures to affect the sound?
Were dynamics appropriately shown?
Were there changes in tempo? If so, how did the conductor achieve these changes? Were they
smooth and seamless or labored?
Did the conductor give good/appropriate cues?
Did the conductor use the left hand independently and/or effectively?
Did the conductor use good facial expressions?
Rehearsal:
Was this an effective rehearsal? Were goals established and worked toward/met?
Was the conductor prepared and demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the score?
Was this a well-paced rehearsal?
Did the conductor use any “tricks” or teaching/conducting strategies you thought were effective?
Did the ensemble improve?
Was the music appropriate for the ensemble?
Leadership and Professionalism
Good and appropriate eye contact
Confidence
Does the conductor provide an atmosphere that fosters musical creativity and supports growth
and expression?
Rapport with the ensemble
Summary
What did you learn from this observation?
Calendar for MUS 2150, Fall 2016
Week of:
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
NO CLASS
(Labor Day recess)
Discuss syllabus/
Orientation
Chapter 1: Introduction
and Discussion
Chapter 1 Lab
Chapter 1 Lab
Article Critique 1 Due
Chapter 1 Lab
Chapter 1 Lab
Chapter 1 Lab Exam
Chapter 2: Introduction and
Discussion
Chapter 2 Lab
Chapter 2 Lab
Article Critique 2 Due
Chapter 2 Lab
Chapter 2 Lab Exam
Chapter 3: Discussion
and Six Pattern
Chapter 3 Lab
Chapter 3 Lab
Chapter 3 Lab
Article Critique 3 Due
Chapter 3 Lab Exam
October 17
Chapter 4: Discussion
(Assign Midterm Material)
MIDTERM
Chapter 4 Lab
MIDTERM
Chapter 4 Lab
October 24
MIDTERM
Chapter 4 Lab
Chapter 4 Lab
Article Critique 4 Due
Chapter 4 Lab
Chapter 4 Lab Exam
Chapter 6: Introduction and
Discussion
Chapter 6 Lab
Chapter 6 Lab
Chapter 6 Lab
Article Critique 5 Due
Chapter 6 Lab Exam
Large Group Final Review
(Assign final cond. pieces)
Large Group Final Review
Large Group Final Review
Large Group Final Review
Large Group Final Review
Conductor Observations
Due
NO CLASS
(Thanksgiving recess)
Large Group Final Review
FINAL CONDUCTING
PROJECTS
FINAL CONDUCTING
PROJECTS
FINAL CONDUCTING
PROJECTS
FINAL CONDUCTING
PROJECTS
Review for Final
Written Exam: Chapter 5
September 5
September 12
September 19
September 26
October 3
October 10
October 31
November 7
November 14
November 21
November 28
December 5
Final Written Exam: Wednesday, December 14, 8 am