In this six part video series NAC Orchestra Music Director Alexander Shelley teaches the basics of conducting technique.

Part 5: This video focuses on phrasing and how we can indicate that using our right and left hands. Using a simple melody - Mary Had a Little Lamb - we will explore how to indicate direction in a melody. Deciding where we are going to or where are we coming from is the essence of a phrase and underscores the expressive content of the music.

Are we saying: MARY Had a Little Lamb or are we saying Mary Had a Little LAMB. Are we emphasizing the lamb or are we emphasizing Mary?

By using impulse to indicate crescendo, diminuendo and amplitude we can show direction and lead an orchestra in musical storytelling.

Visit the NAC website for more on Conducting 101:

@o/series/conducting101

Topics include how to use the right and left hand, how to rehearse and prepare scores as well as how to collaborate with orchestras. Whether you are a student or amateur conductor these videos will provide you with clear instruction, practice tips and useful advice.

Alexander Shelley is passionate about arts education and nurturing the next generation of musicians. The National Arts Centre was inspired to create this series by the positive impact and enthusiastic response from the many workshops and coaching sessions Alexander Shelley provides when touring with the NAC Orchestra within Canada and internationally.

свернуть