A15. The Art of Conducting

This course will focus on The Art of Conducting. In addition to lecture and discussion, a significant part of each class will be spent with members of the course being actively involved by learning how to conduct. Each member will receive, on loan for the duration of the course, a conducting baton to use.  In addition to topics being covered, such as posture, beat patterns, independence of hands, the importance of eye contact and facial expression, we will view and listen to professional conductors. Maestros to be covered will include Leonard Berstein, Seiji Ozawa, Gustavo Dudamel, Simon Rattle, Zubin Metah among others. You will also learn some music terminology as it applies to music notation. The conducting portion of the course can be done standing or sitting if need be. Not to be left out, you will most certainly learn why the following statement is a mere myth: "All conductors do is wave a stick."

Mitchell Lutch received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Instrumental Conducting and has spent many years as both a practitioner and scholar/researcher of the art of conducting. He has led numerous ensembles across the United States and internationally since 1985. Dr. Lutch brings a level of expertise, energy, and professionalism and continues to spend his career as both an artistic conductor and scholar of conducting.  He has conducted ensembles throughout the United States and abroad including China, Canada, the former Soviet Union, the UK, and Mexico. Mitch brings a level of experience, energy, and professionalism that takes each audience on a musical journey that ends with them looking forward to the next magical musical tour.