Heatheroo99 asked:
I work in the TV and movie industry and am sick of it. Since I was a child, I wanted to be a composer and conductor. My parents didn’t encourage it and got rid of my musical instruments. Now that I’m well in my forties and away from them, I find I am hooked on classical music again and want to write and conduct it. I listen to it all day and night. What can I do to transition out of entertainment back to conducting and writing music? I ought to go to school, but I am in my mid-forties with no formal musical training, just perfect pitch and some music theory knowledge. Juilliard would never accept me. I’m miserable. What should I do? Music was my first love. 
I forgot to add, there are some advantages: I live in New York City and know lots of people at the Musicians’ Union. One of my best friends is a respected and famous musician. But he’s too encouraging – he thinks I can do anything. I need stronger advice than that. I haven’t lived the “music life” – I’m not Asian, I didn’t start playing piano at 10 months (it was more like age 3), didn’t go to Tanglewood, not rich, don’t live in a sliver apartment, didn’t attend a great arts college, I hate my background. I feel like such a loser. But I can’t shake the desire to write and conduct. Do I even have a chance? … doubtful…
Gwen asked:
I’m an 11th grader in high school who’s interested in becoming an orchestra conductor/teacher. Are there any books about music education or conducting to tell me what it’s all about? I’d like to read about “How To’s” or the best ways to teach music. Thanks!
frog luver<3 asked:
I was reading an article of how to become an orchestra conductor, it said i have to have a degree.
Which 1? Music? And if any of y’all are conductors i the state of Virginia, How much do they usually make?
Please answer and thank you!
Sissy lue asked:
Can some help me create a daily schedule for becoming really amazing at piano and guitar? so one day I can become a conductor or performer?
like from wake up to go to bed including shower and everything I know crazy but still I also want to be a singer lol. Include my school day iof you wnt 6-3:30 or not I will just apply that schedule to summer… thanks?
♪♫hmm…♪♫ asked:
So I’m thinking of becoming a band director, and I’d like to practice reading scores, however I only own music for my instrument. are there any conductor’s scores out there that i can practice reading for free?
Rose asked:
Hello, I am 14 years old and I would like to become a professional conductor (but I am still thinking). I am advanced in piano, ahead of my peers. I have a few questions, though, and it would be wonderful if they were answered. First, the main thing that I am worried about is that I am a girl. I know that this sounds silly, but I have never seen a professional female conductor (but I am sure there are some) and I have read many articles circulating the fact that it is a male dominated field, will this cause a problem?. Second, do most professional conductors have a job outside of conducting an orchestra that will give them an income that is suitable, or do professional conductor make enough to make a living? Will I need a lot of conducting experience before college? I know that conducting is one of the most difficult music paths because it is not a guaranteeed career, but I would really like to become one. Please don’t laugh and yes, I am nervous because of the “male dominated field” factor. Here is another question that I should have started off with: Is conducting a male dominated field because there are more men getting a degree in conducting, or is it because people think men are better at conducting so more men get hired. I herd a report that more woman are becoming conductors. Is this because more woman are getting degrees in conducting, or because more are being accepted as conductor? I am mostly worries that I could get a doctorate degree, and still not find work, and be unprepared for the life ahead of me. Lastly, as a professional conductor, what will the disadvantages be? I love to travel, but does it mean a lot of moving around the country? I don’t just want to conduct, but I want to travel around the world, learn about pieces and their composers, bring it back to the orchestra I am the music director of or to orchestras around the world and share the emotion that the composer had while writing the piece, (I know, that must sound desperate). Any tips? Any advice? Thank you very much, and thank you for reading such a long question!
nak asked:
I am just starting college and i would like to become an orchestral conductor, any tips or suggestions for a college bound student would be great.
Jeff B asked:
Hello All,
I’m currently a junior looking into prospective colleges, like most any other junior would at this time of year. I am planning to take the double major route, my first major being in Biology (for Pre-medicine). I would like my second major to be music entailing. I’ve considered Music Education for a long time, but, in ten years, I see myself conducting a prominent community/state orchestra. I want to become an Oncologist (Cancer Doctor) and a Conductor, not an Oncologist and 5th grade band teacher.
My main question for you is what major do you believe would best arrive me at my dreams of becoming an oncologist and a conductor? Music Education, General Music, Etc…? Also, what schools, in your opinion would be best for this route (New England Area)? I’ve looked into Roger Williams, Ithaca, Boston University, Etc. I plan on Johns Hopkins for Graduate School!
I do realize conducting is a graduate course, but I obviously would not want to take anything else on while in Med school. The major that you suggest would only be studied in undergraduate school along with my Bio (Pre-Med) course. I greatly appreciate ANY insight!
Jeff B asked:
Hello All,
I’m currently a junior looking into prospective colleges, like most any other junior would at this time of year. I am planning to take the double major route, my first major being in Biology (for Pre-medicine). I would like my second major to be music entailing. I’ve considered Music Education for a long time, but, in ten years, I see myself conducting a prominent community/state orchestra. I want to become an Oncologist (Cancer Doctor) and a Conductor, not an Oncologist and 5th grade band teacher.
My main question for you is what major do you believe would best arrive me at my dreams of becoming an oncologist and a conductor? Music Education, General Music, Etc…? Also, what schools, in your opinion would be best for this route (New England Area)? I’ve looked into Roger Williams, Ithaca, Boston University, Etc. I plan on Johns Hopkins for Graduate School!
I do realize conducting is a graduate course, but I obviously would not want to take anything else on while in Med school. The major that you suggest would only be studied in undergraduate school along with my Bio (Pre-Med) course. I greatly appreciate ANY insight!
Spaceboy asked:
I know this is a very odd question, but I was thinking… you see conductors of orchestras getting very worked up and almost violent with their arm and body movements sometimes… could that be bad for them? I know if I move my arms like that, they become quite sore and stiff… couldn’t they have some kind of damage to their bones, or something similar?
