Conductors Leadership Role

The conductor has many roles but the role of leader is perhaps one of the most important. A conductor leads by “their technical ability, their musical knowledge and their personal charisma” but the path to performance is different for each conductor. Many consider the traditional role of a conductor to be that of a domineering presence, willing to do anything to reach the potential of the ensemble for a performance.

Leadership is considered by John Maxwell to be “influence- nothing more, nothing less” and if this is the case, we are all leaders. Many conductors may not consider themselves as leaders because they bear no title or official position of power. Although, there are many leaders who quietly lead without these positions but still have a significant impact on their students and those around them.

There is a significant difference between managing and leading, between transactional and transformational leading. A manager focuses on getting tasks completed whereas a leader focuses on people and their personal growth. Great leadership goes beyond just management. Management skills are often the focus in tertiary education and while these skills are important, leadership goes beyond these skills focusing on the influence on people.

Leadership is not
When a leader focuses on the needs of the musicians they conduct, helping them to have a better understanding of music, then they are leading by serving. While serving is seen to be commendable, it is not seen as profitable and is often misinterpreted as being weak. Servant leadership focuses on the ability to help fulfil the needs of others rather than just what they think they want. A servant leader uses their “unique skills, talents, passion and knowledge in a way that improves the lives of those around [them]”. They know how to motivate people and make the most of their capabilities, helping them to grow and