Choral Conducting ─ Philosophy and Practice

Choral Conducting: Philosophy and Practice, Second Edition is an updated resource for conductors and singers alike, a college-level text for students of choral conducting that considers conducting and singing from a holistic perspective. This singer-friendly and voice-healthy approach examines the rehearsal environment alongside its musical performance counterpart. The author explores what is involved in leading a choral group, examining theories of learning and human behavior to understand the impact choral conductors have on the act of singing.

Divided into two main parts—Philosophy and Practice—the text begins with a historical look at conducting, exploring questions of why people sing and why they sing together, and ultimately presents the application of this philosophy, showing how a conductor’s gestures and patterns can influence vocal outcomes. It addresses how singers learn and respond to choral music, as well as how conductors communicate with singers in rehearsal and performance.

New to this edition:

• Updated diagrams, photos, and musical examples
• Revised sample choral programs
• A renewed focus on the intersections of learning, health and well-being, and the social perspective, supported by new and recent research

Choral Conducting turns an eye to learning how we learn and the role successful choral conductors play in motivating singers, developing healthy singing habits, and improving individual and ensemble vocal quality—all with the aims of enhancing musical understanding.

Colin Durrant is Conductor of the University of London Chamber Choir and the Imperial College London Choir. He has led conducting and choral singing workshops in the US, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Kenya, as well as in Europe and the UK.