Expressiveness in Choral Conducting: Key Insights and Approaches from Expert Conductors

Abstract

Choral rehearsal can be considered a teaching-learning space where conductor partially adopts the role of a teacher. To achieve the desired aim, the conductors must possess numerous skills. In choral conducting expressiveness is one of the key elements to consider. Using a qualitative methodology based on semi-structured interviews with six expert conductors, strategies and tools to enhance expressiveness during rehearsals with amateur choirs of different levels were identified. The analysis suggests that clear and effective communication, including verbal and non-verbal elements, is essential to establish a musical and emotional connection between choir and conductor. The need to adapt expressive gestures to the musical context, the choir’s level, and the phases of rehearsal is emphasized. These insights may provide insight into the importance of providing conductors with training that integrates conducting technique, expressivity, and communication. It also emphasizes the need for observation and self-analysis to enrich conducting practices. Without generalizable conclusions, the study contributes to understanding that expressiveness and communication should be considered as part of conductor training to improve rehearsal dynamics and enhance musical performance. Based on the insights and experiences of the conductors, effective choral conducting requires combining technique, expressiveness, and empathetic leadership to achieve more engaging interpretations.