The competent choral conductor: an investigation into the skills and knowledge required for the development of Australian choral conductors

摘要

The aim of the research project was to determine the perceived needs of Australian choral conductors for a course of education in choral conducting. Building on the professional experience of the researcher, the literature, and the responses of three hundred choral conductors from across Australia, a course of study was developed. The literature review was categorised into topics related to the survey. These included: understanding the voice, analysis and interpretation of music scores, selection and programming for the choir, aural skills for hearing and interpreting the ensemble, conducting technique, rehearsal and teaching technique, administration of choirs, performance, its presentation and progamme notes, and choral networks. In addition a broad survey of tertiary level choral courses from both Australia and the United States of America assisted in the formation of the study course. The survey respondents fell into six categories of choral conductors. The initial three categories for a targeted choral education course to suit the needs of choral conductors were primary/children’s choir conductors, secondary/youth choir conductors and adult community/church choir conductors. The many respondents who conducted in more than one category were analysed in another three categories by their expressed skill levels, these being beginner, intermediate or advanced skill levels, as it was considered that these categories might provide responses and insights into course modification to suit specific needs. The course of study in choral education was developed from the findings of the survey, the review of the literature and the tertiary courses of study surveyed. The course includes: 1. Australian Choral Conductors Education and Training (ACCET) Summer School and Sing for Life Choir, 2. Choral Education, 3. Choral Conducting, 4 Choral Recital. There is built-in potential for variation and development according to the needs of choral education course participants. The study concludes with 36 recommendations for further investigation.