Basic Conducting for the Worship Leader – WMUS 315

CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 09/05/2023

Course Description

Rudimentary instruction in conducting techniques for traditional and non-traditional settings. Knowledge and skill areas stressed are: basic conducting gestures and patterns; score interpretation; rehearsal management and technique; programming considerations; and special problems in vocal and instrumental situation. (Crosslisted with WMUS 315)

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

Professional music training requires that a person be able to rehearse and conduct musical ensembles, both instrumental and choral. The purpose of this course is to teach basic conducting gestures and ensemble rehearsal techniques. This course applies the student’s knowledge of musicianship, musical style, and rehearsal and performance discipline.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussion

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt. The thread must be at least 300 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to at least 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 200 words.

Exercise Video Assignments (6)

The student will submit weekly videos of gestural conducting concepts practiced during each module/week. The conducting exercises will vary in length and style. For this assignment, the student is required to record a video showcasing conducting skills with the required musical selections. The student will need to access the audio track on the Labuta companion website for these exercises. The exception to this is Exercise Video 5, which will require a “live” accompanist (a keyboard or other instrument is acceptable) whom the student will conduct. You will record each video directly to MCGRAW-HILL GO REACT located in Canvas. The student will be assessed on technical skills taught in the weekly videos and a general understanding/development of conducting concepts.

Video Project Assignments (3)

The student will upload 3 major project videos of complete pieces demonstrating his/her progress with gestural expressions. The video projects will vary in length and style. For these assignments, the student is required to record a video showcasing conducting skills with the required musical selections. Unlike the video exercises, the video projects focus on all concepts learned in the course up until the assigned module. The student will video each project directly to MCGRAW-HILL GO REACT located in Canvas. The student will be assessed on technical skills taught in the weekly videos and a general understanding/development of conducting concepts taught throughout the course.

Presentation Note - Taking Assignment

The student must document the PowerPoint bullets that appear in the video presentations for each module (from the beginning of the course until the module this assignment is due) in Microsoft Word, and then comment with more of the instructor’s verbal concepts and/or reactions to them. This assignment must be at least 750 words. There is the expectation that every PowerPoint discussed throughout the course video presentations is recorded in writing. The student is also expected to make at least 6 total one-phrase comments on major concepts discussed in the videos throughout the entire course. The student does not need to record notes on demonstration gesture videos if there are no PowerPoints in the video. This assignment is meant to ensure that the major concepts are documented and understood and that the student spends time reflecting on them.