A shorty as an audience member approached me after a recent performance about my baton grip. How do you hold your baton? 

All About Chaowen Ting 

In today's episode, I spoke with Dr. Rachel Kim, the current Director of Education and Social Impact at the Oakland Symphony and Co-founder and pianist for the Curium Trio.

I was a part of Rachel's study group for her dissertation on Asian American Women in Classical Music Leadership for her Ph.D. at Teacher College, Columbia University. Her article (derived from the dissertation) on AAW leadership just came out in Journal of Transformative Learning. 

This is a heavy loaded conversation on the challenges faced by minorities in the classical music field, but one that's long o...

All About Chaowen Ting 

Joshua Palkki (he/him) is Associate Professor of Music at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta where he leads the Chamber Choir and Glee Club and Founding Artistic Director of We Resound, a new LGBTQA and ally youth chorus in Atlanta. He is the co-author of Honoring Trans and Gender-Expansive Students in Music Education (Oxford University Press, 2021).

In today's episode, we discussed Josh's background, teaching and conducting experiences with choirs, and his research in LGBTQA choral experiences.

Learn more about Josh at joshpalkki.com or follow him @drpalkkimusic

<...

In today's episode, I will be sharing how I take notes as an assistant conductor when working for an ensemble - both instrumental or vocal, or in an opera production.

RELATED EPISODES - check them out if you haven't already!

Season 1: LIVE: Assistant Conductor Positions with Michelle Di Russo and Michelle Rofrano

Season 3: Ask Me Anything with Orchestra Conductors [panel discussion in 2024]

𝗞𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗮 𝗕𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗹, 2024 Sphinx Medal of Excellence & former Assistant Conductor, Memphis Symphony

𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗶 𝗥𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗼, Dudamel Fellow, LA Philharmonic; Associate Conductor, North Carolina Symphony

𝗙𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮, Assistant Conductor & Diversity Fello

Dana Fonteneau is a former concert cellist and now a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, performance consultant, and founder of WholeHearted Musician™ and Dana Fonteneau Consulting, LLC. 

I worked with Dana during 2023-24 when she was one of my coaches. She helped me gain clarity of my WHY, who I am as an artist, and learning how mind and body connects.

To learn more about Dana's work, visit her website at danafonteneau.com. You can also read her book It’s Not (JUST) About the Gig: A Musician’s Guide to Creating the Mindset Which Leads t...

In today's episode, I will be answering a question posted on instagram - choral vs orchestral conducting.

The essence of all conducting is to convey your understanding of the music to influence and support the musicians' music-making.

When we have different ensembles, it's important to look at different needs of choral singers, and to adjust the height of your conducting gestures, and to show phrasing and support breathing.

All About Chaowen Ting 

Dr. Marcus Norris is a composer and conductor, who has orchestrate several songs for Beyoncé's 2023 Dubai return to live performance and served as Music Director for Tina Knowles-Lawson's 2022 Wearable Art Gala. Marcus founded South Side Symphony in 2020, which he describes as "like if Quincy Jones grew up on 90s R&B and Rap." 

I had the privelege to conduct Marcus' opera Forsyth County is Flooding (with the Joy of Lake Lanier) after he won the 96 Hour Opera Project organized by the Atlanta Opera. It's a great conversation in which we spoke about Marcus' musical journey, new pr...

Welcome back to Season 4 of the Conductor's Podcast. You will hear interviews with some great people whom I think are really really cool, and also solo episodes with me answering questions about conducting study, rehearsal, or the industry. Happy listening!

All About Chaowen Ting 

Do you also use recordings to help your score study process? Today I am going to share a few things that I do with recordings!

1. See the many interpretational possibilities regarding tempi, balance, or conducting patterns.

2. Check what I might have missed in your score study (dynamics, chord change, important lines, or bringing out a different layer)

3. Memory check when memorizing the score

4. Know what might need rehearsals

5. Help visualize the score

6. The choreography of conducting gestures,

7. Bowings consultance

<...

Live recording from an AMA (Ask Me Anything) Panel Discussion on May 20, 2024. The session was moderated by my colleague Dr. Janet Kim, and our panelists were:

Shelley Axelson, Director of Bands, Radford University

Julia Baumanis, Associate Director of Bands, Rutgers University

Tina Dimeglio, Associate Director of Bands, University of South Florida

If you missed my interview with Julia Baumanis in Season 1 Episode 31 where we spoke about her journey as a band director, check out: https://theconductorspodcast.com/podcast/31/

All About Chaowen...

Catching up with returning guest Kevin Fitzgerald :)

Make sure you check out or revisit my interview with Kevin in Season 2 when we talked about audition preparation and navigating the business:

https://theconductorspodcast.com/podcast/s2e7/
AND
https://theconductorspodcast.com/podcast/s2e8/

All About Chaowen Ting 

Five key preparation factors for competitions (and as a good conductor in general!)

1. Know the score inside out

2. Have (form and be very firm) your own opinion about the music

3. Have enough techniques to deliver your ideas

4. Keep a high energy and engage musicians at all times

5. Develop problem solving skills - rehearsal techniques, interruptions from the jury, being asked to do a piece you are less good at

All About Chaowen Ting 

Live recording from an AMA (Ask Me Anything) Panel Discussion on May 6, 2024. The session was moderated by my colleague Dr. Janet Kim, and our panelists were:

Arianne Abela, Director of the Choral Program, Amherst College

Maria A. Ellis, the Girl Conductor

Amanda Hanzlik, Director of Choirs, E.O. Smith High School; President - Elect, ACDA Eastern Region

Liana Salinas, Artistic Director, Miami Children's Chorus

If you missed my interview with Maria A. Ellis in Season 1 Episode 2 where I interviewed someone...

Very happy to welcome Anna Sułkowska-Migoń, the winner of the 2022 La Maestra Competition in Paris, where I was a quarter-finalist. Anna and I talked about her experience after the competition, her growth and challenges, and what she has learned in her journey. 

This interview was recorded in May 2024 when Anna was expecting her daughter and we wish her and her family a wonderful start of this new chapter.

Learn more about Anna: https://annasulkowskamigon.com/

All About Chaowen Ting 

Live recording from an AMA (Ask Me Anything) Panel Discussion on May 3, 2024. The panelists of the sessions were:

Juhi Bensal, composer, conductor, and educator

Joanna Drimatis, Music Director and Chief Conductor, Beecroft Orchestra

Katie LaBrie, composer, conductor, and educator

All About Chaowen Ting 

Live recording from an AMA (Ask Me Anything) Panel Discussion on April 28, 2024. The panelists of the sessions were:

Marta Gardolinska, Music Director, Opera national de Lorraine

Stephanie Rhodes Russell, Founder, Women’s Artistic Leadership Initiative; Guest Conductor, Wolf Trap Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Washington National Opera

Michelle Rofrano, Artistic Director, PROTESTRA; Guest Conductor, Madison Opera, City Lyric Opera, Curtis Institute of Music

If you missed my interview with Michelle Rofrano in Season 1 Episode 3 where we discussed programming for social causes, make sure to re...

I've always thought that I wasn't a good competition type of conductor, until I realized that I actually convinced myself that I wasn't good in a certain area so I didn't need to continue improving myself.

From 2022, I entered La Maestra Competition in Paris, won the 3rd Prize at Kussewitzky Competition 2023 and 2nd Prize at the Mendelssohn Competition 2024. In this season's episodes, I will be sharing more what I've learned in my journey.

But before that, my thoughts on conducting competitions - they are just one of the many events that are going to shape...

I finally had the pleasure to meet and speak with Dr. Andrea Brown, Associate Director of Bands at the University of Maryland. Previously served as director of orchestra and assistant director of bands at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta and assistant director of bands at the University of Michigan, we spoke about her experience as a conductor and the founder of “Women Rising to the Podium.”

All About Chaowen Ting 

Live recording from an AMA (Ask Me Anything) Panel Discussion on April 3, 2024. The panelists of the sessions were:

𝗞𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗮 𝗕𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗹, 2024 Sphinx Medal of Excellence & former Assistant Conductor, Memphis Symphony

𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗶 𝗥𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗼, Dudamel Fellow, LA Philharmonic; Associate Conductor, North Carolina Symphony

𝗙𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮, Assistant Conductor & Diversity Fellow, Buffalo Philharmonic

𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝗫𝗶𝗮, Associate Conductor, Seattle Symphony

If you missed my interview with Kalena Bovell in Season 1 Episode 14 where we discussed time management skills, make sure to revisit it: https://theconductorspodcast.com/podcast/14/

All About Chaowen Ting 

My first in person interview for the podcast with conductor Chloé Dufresne, recorded on February 23, 2024 when she visited Atlanta through the Villa Albertine artist residence program with the French Consulate in Atlanta. 

We talked about her conducting training, experiences with American and European orchestras, and current and upcoming projects.

Learn more about Chloé: https://www.chloedufresne.com/

All About Chaowen Ting 

Based on my experiences teaching conducting workshops and participating in competitions, the three biggest mistakes are:

1. Worrying so much about the ensemble problems when you are the one causing the problems.

2. Only concerned about your conducting, your vision of the music and fail to connect with musicians. 

3. Thinking that it’s only about conducting - how about your leadership styles, interpersonal skills, and the way you present yourself?

All About Chaowen Ting 

Welcome back to season 3 of The Conductor’s Podcast. In this season I will be sharing things I’ve learned this past year, my experiences participating in competitions, interviews with some new and old friends, and live recordings of several Girls Who Conduct webinars!

All About Chaowen Ting 

Last week I spoke with Karen on Marketing for Musicians, and we discussed boundaries and showing your uniqueness to the world, and understand who you are serving.

In today's conversation, I spoke with Karen about another part of her specialty - career coach, and dig into how people have different definitions of success, and to find the answers from within.

Karen Cubides is the passionate and engaging founder and CEO of the Karen Cubides Agency based in Nashville, Tennessee. Her holistic approach to coaching her clients allows her to serve a wide range...

Today's episode is a must listen for musicians as we learn marketing for ourselves, create opportunities and put ourselves out there for business!

Karen Cubides is the passionate and engaging founder and CEO of the Karen Cubides Agency based in Nashville, Tennessee. Her holistic approach to coaching her clients allows her to serve a wide range of well-established musicians and young professionals alike in unique and personal ways. Through her intimate understanding of the relationship between personal growth and professional achievement, Karen builds up the individual, the artist, and the professional within each of her...

Conducting auditions are something that's hard to navigate as each organization and ensemble does look for different things, but no one would disqualify a good conductor!

Typically, an audition for an assistant conductor would be only 10-15 minutes, while a music director audition might be a full rehearsal (2-3 hour), or even a concert cycle consisting 4-6 rehearsals, depending on the ensemble's schedule.

My objective of all conducting auditions is to share my musical ideas with the ensemble while demonstrating a representation of how my typical rehearsal flows.

Some Tips:

Today’s episode is the second half of my conversation with a long-time friend, Kevin Fitzgerald, current Associate Conductor of the Jacksonville Symphony.

Last week we spoke about preparing for job applications and auditions, and today we will continue the conversation and hear all the behind the scene stories of navigating the business.

As 2021 Tanglewood Music Center Conducting Fellow and four-time recipient of Career Assistance Grants from The Solti Foundation U.S., Kevin Fitzgerald is at the forefront of the next generation of conductors. Recently, Kevin was invited as one of the twenty conductors to pa...

In today's episode, you will hear the first half of my conversation with a long-time friend, Kevin Fitzgerald, current Associate Conductor of the Jacksonville Symphony. We went way back to my years at the Eastman School of Music, and it's such a pleasure to speak with him on the topic of preparing for job applications and auditions.

As 2021 Tanglewood Music Center Conducting Fellow and four-time recipient of Career Assistance Grants from The Solti Foundation U.S., Kevin Fitzgerald is at the forefront of the next generation of conductors. Recently, Kevin was invited as one of...

Should I enter a graduate program? Look for jobs? Go to masterclasses? Those are some questions that I got asked the most.

For us conductors, we have to create our own curriculum, our own path, and to make decisions all the time.

In today's episode, I will share with you three main factors to consider when figuring out "what's next:"

You have to be a good conductor, and that includes your techniques and your knowledge. Your being a good conductor is the most important thing you can deliver.

So...

Last week I spoke with social media guru Nicole Riccardo about how musicians can create a meaningful online community through social media. She generously provided a lot of tips and suggestions for my listeners.

When we talk about marketing, curating an image of our own for the world, it's unavoidable to discuss one's brand.

Are you struggling with defining your "brand" or finding your "niche"? What are some possible ways we can market ourselves better through our social media presences and reach our career goals?

In today's episode, you will hear the second...

I am not a person who is naturally good at social media - when I say I'm an introvert, many people would seem surprised, but I am really awkward starting a conversation with strangers.

Flutist turned digital marketer, Nicole Riccardo, the Founder & President of NR Media was introduced to me through a common flutist friend years ago when I was just naively debating whether I should learn more about social media and started to cultivate an online profile.

In today's episode, you will hear the first half of our conversation focusing...

Diversity Statement has become a more and more frequently asked application material. No matter you are applying for a music directorship or an educational role, the organization very often is interested in knowing your vision on diversity, inclusion, and equity.

Feeling stuck as a straight white man (or anything else)? No worries, let me show you how to kill your diversity vision, and how to revive it.

Best Ways to Kill Your Diversity Statement:

Zoom Interviews are now more common since Covid - and organizations are often skipping the traditional phone interview and conduct a zoom interview for shortlisted candidates instead.

If you've had unsuccessful zoom interviews in the past, you want to do a quick self-check and see if you've got it right, and know the purpose of the interview: to obtain enough interest in order advance to the next round

Some Zoom Interview Setting Tips from my friend Tim Verville:

As the largest body of an orchestra, it's always great to have a string sectional to unify style, articulation, and even phrasing. If you are not a string player yourself, what are the mistakes to avoid when leading a string sectional?

Instead of:

Get stuck in bowing discussionsNot knowing your termsGive instructions on bowing or fingering Do this:

Always have a set of bowings marked in the part before distributing them Describe the sounds you wantLet the principals / concertmaster adjust things as they see fitGet help, be over-prepared, and bring an open mind to se...

Welcome Back to Season 2 of The Conductor's Podcast! 

With a carefully designed season, we will be focusing on Conductors How-To and share all the tips on planning efficient rehearsals, preparing for auditions, giving a great job interview, marketing and branding for musicians, and even more! 

All About Chaowen Ting 

In this wisdom-filled episode, my guest is the world-renowned conductor, Diane Wittry. She is the music director of the Allentown Symphony and the Music Director and Conductor of the Garden State Philharmonic. She is also the author of award-winning books, “Beyond the Baton” and “Baton Basics - Communicating Music through Gestures.”

To understand the essence of conducting and how to improve as a conductor, you’ll need to indulge in this episode and learn.

Conductor, Diane Wittry, named nationally as one of the "Top 30 Professional Musicians" by Musical America Worldwide for her work leading orchestras, is a highl...

Hi there! 

Happy end of September and welcome to episode no.9 of the Conductor’s Podcast Wisdom series, a new series full of shared life experiences and, of course, wisdom! This series is aired on the last Thursday of each month, and in each episode, I am going to pose a question to 10 musicians, conductors, or business gurus. So including myself, you will hear all the goodies from a wide variety of people, thus called the wisdom series. Now, without further ado, let’s get started.

This month’s question that I am asking my people...

In this episode of The Conductor’s Podcast, my guest is Gabriel Lena Frank.  As she continues to be a remarkable composer, she’s fulfilling her passion of wanting to live by 100 years and seeing that music becomes more accessible to individuals who really want and need it. 

Tune in this episode and be inspired on how creativity impacts society and how you can navigate the world of music despite being bombarded with biases and different gender or race-related conundrums.

Currently serving as Composer-in-Residence with the Philadelphia Orchestra and included in the Washington Post’ s list of...

Opera is one of the greatest and the most classic art forms. It combines the ingenuity of a great storyline and the elegance of music in one captivating show. 

As this classic art form continue to become a favorite among enthusiasts, new operas are giving audiences a fresh perspective to shows that feature newly-composed music and storylines that haven’t been heard yet. 

In this episode, Kanma Gupta discusses the process of developing new operas and more!

Kamna Gupta is an American Prize-winning conductor experienced in operatic, orchestral, and choral repertoires. In the 2022-23...

In this truly exciting episode, the one and only Dr. Cynthia Johnson Turner discuss the broad meaning behind good conducting and how you can stand up on the podium as a leader. 

Johnston Turner, a dual citizen of Canada and the United States, earned her Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY and her Master of Education in Music Education from the University of Victoria, B.C.

Her professional success is readily apparent on both sides of the border and abroad. She comes to Laurier from the H...