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General Information

Course ID (CB01A and CB01B)
MUSI D050A
Course Title (CB02)
Conducting I
Course Credit Status
Credit - Degree Applicable
Effective Term
Fall 2022
Course Description
This course is an introduction to the art and craft of conducting. Students explore the use of batons as well as rehearsal and performance techniques. Students work with vocal and instrumental ensembles. This course is open to students interested in pursuing studies in conducting and conducting professionally. Students should be experienced, ensemble performers.
Faculty Requirements
Course Family
Not Applicable

Course Justification

The course offers basic instruction in and practical experience conducting vocal and instrumental music ensembles. The course is CSU transferable and belongs on the AA Music degree.

Foothill Equivalency

Does the course have a Foothill equivalent?
No
Foothill Course ID

Course Philosophy

Formerly Statement

Course Development Options

Basic Skill Status (CB08)
Course is not a basic skills course.
Grade Options
  • Pass/No Pass
Repeat Limit
0

Transferability & Gen. Ed. Options

Transferability
Transferable to CSU only

Units and Hours

Summary

Minimum Credit Units
1.5
Maximum Credit Units
1.5

Weekly Student Hours

TypeIn ClassOut of Class
Lecture Hours1.02.0
Laboratory Hours2.00.0

Course Student Hours

Course Duration (Weeks)
12.0
Hours per unit divisor
36.0
Course In-Class (Contact) Hours
Lecture
12.0
Laboratory
24.0
Total
36.0
Course Out-of-Class Hours
Lecture
24.0
Laboratory
0.0
NA
0.0
Total
24.0

Prerequisite(s)

MUSI D020. or equivalent

Corequisite(s)

Advisory(ies)

Limitation(s) on Enrollment

Entrance Skill(s)

General Course Statement(s)

Methods of Instruction

Individual and group work

Demonstration

Discussion and problem solving performed in class

Homework and extended projects

Performance

Assignments

  1. Weekly reading and conducting assignments
  2. Daily practice of conducting techniques
  3. Final song analysis, presentation to ensemble, rehearsal, and performance

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Reading and conducting assignments evaluations based on the ability to synthesize various concepts
  2. Successful completion of conducting assignments through in-class demonstration
  3. Conduct final song (or portion of a large work) in concert - as part of ensemble quarterly public performance

Essential Student Materials/Essential College Facilities

Essential Student Materials: 
  • Conductor's baton
  • Pitch giving device
Essential College Facilities:
  • Rehearsal room with good acoustics and plenty of space.
  • Music stands and movable musician's chairs
  • Well-tuned piano or electronic keyboard

Examples of Primary Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisherDate/EditionISBN
Green, Elizabeth A.H., and Mark GibsonThe Modern Conductor (7th edition)Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall, Inc.2003

Examples of Supporting Texts and References

None.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

Course Objectives

  • Summarize the different roles of the conductor
  • Demonstrate mastery of basic manual conducting techniques
  • Analyze basic principles of conducting

CSLOs

  • Describe the role of the conductor and demonstrate proper posture and baton technique

  • Conduct basic beat patterns and master conducting (right) hand technique

Outline

  1. Summarize the different roles of the conductor
    1. Leadership and Management
    2. Good posture and hand position
    3. Comfortable baton technique
    4. Circular hand motion and basic pulse
    5. Connection of breath to tone production
  2. Demonstrate mastery of basic manual conducting techniques
    1. Preparatory beat
    2. Setting the tempo
    3. Stopping the sound (cutoff)
    4. Basic time beating patterns (2, 3, 4)
    5. Ictus
  3. Analyze basic principles of conducting
    1. Psychological conducting
    2. Seating charts for rehearsal
    3. Basic conducting terminology
    4. Instrumentation
    5. Form

Lab Topics

  1. Conduct music in a rehearsal setting
  2. Practice conducting various beat patterns
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