LibGuides: Conducting: Technique

Recommended Resources

Technique Books in the Allen Library (selections)

The Conductor's Gesture by James Mark Jordan
Call Number: MT85 J82 C6 2011 [Allen shelves]
Applies the theories of Rudolf Laban to present a vision of conducting gesture and technique as a movement language. Includes DVD with demonstrations.
The Conductor's Toolbox by Richard Sparks
Call Number: MT85 S72 2019 [Allen shelves]
Tools for interpreting choral music, leading rehearsals, and conducting. Inspired by sports, teaching, and psychology.
The Elements of Expressive Conducting by Michael Haithcock
Call Number: MT85 H35 2020 [Allen shelves]
Describes movement theories, discusses strategies for musical expression and coordination, and provides suggestions for building to a professional level of success.
Evoking Sound by James Jordan
Call Number: MT85 J82 E9 [Allen shelves]
Publication Date: 2009
Discusses various movement theories and techniques for choral conducting. Includes DVD with demonstrations.
Series: Teaching Music Through...
A series of books and CDs for music educators and conductors alike. Covers band, choir, orchestra, jazz, and more. Click the link above to see all items and call numbers.

Technique Videos in the Allen Library (selections)

The Anatomy of Conducting by James Jordan and Eugene Migliaro Corporon
Call Number: MO MT85 A518 [Allen DVDs]
Publication Date: 2008
A masterclass with multi-angle video demonstrations and motion capture animation to show the skeletal movement of each conductor in real-time for an in-depth picture of body mechanics and architecture.
The Art of Conducting Technique by Harold Farberman
Call Number: MV MT85 A78 F21 [Allen VHS]
Publication Date: 1996
Farberman with the Hartt Symphony Orchestra. Supplement to Farberman's book of the same name.
Inheriting the Future of Music by Pierre Boulez
Call Number: MO ML410 B76 I5 [Allen DVDs]
Publication Date: 2010
Boulez's masterclass at the Lucerne Festival Academy. Includes concert excerpts.

Discover More

Browse the Shelves

Call numbers organize books by topic, so a great way to discover books is to browse the shelves by call number. Use these call numbers to find books on conducting topics:

Call Number	Topic
ML457	Interpretation and performance practice
ML458	History of conducting
MT70 - MT71	Orchestra and orchestration
MT73	Band instrumentation
MT75	Interpretation, analysis, and phrasing
MT85	Conducting technique, score reading
MT88	Choral conducting
MT90 - MT146	Analytical guides to specific musical works
MT728	Chamber music instruction and study
MT730	Orchestra instruction and study
MT733	Band instruction and study
MT875	Chorus instruction and study

Browse the Catalog

Browse the catalog using subjects, for example:

Choral conducting
Conducting
Conducting > Study and teaching
Conducting > Technique

Browse Professional Journals

Professional journals are a great place to learn from experts about the most recent developments in your field.
Search articles online or browse the Allen Library current periodicals (near the Allen entrance). See especially:

International Musician by American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada
Available in print (last two years on current periodicals shelf) and online (2003 - present).
New Music Connoisseur
Available in print only.
Symphony by American Symphony Orchestra League
Summer–Fall 2021 available free online. Other issues available in print only (Current Periodicals or Bound Periodicals, ML1 S98).
The Voice by Chorus America
Available in print (1991-present) and online (2006-present)

Suggest a Resource

Know of a resource you think should be added to this guide? Let us know!

Want to suggest we purchase something new? Contact Tracey Rudnick (rudnick@hartford.edu).