We have a choice to make in how we talk about getting the best out of people, and ourselves. This is a wonderful presenter. Also check out his TED Talks.
These issues and techniques occur everywhere when conducting any solo passages in any ensemble that reads their part accurately. It is especially important if the conductor has few rehearsals to explain what he or she is doing.
Barbara Hanningan, a Canadian opera and concert singer has added conducting to her performing roles – virtually unheard of from a female singer.
The video link in the attached has her singing and conducting. In 2011 she made her conducting debut in Paris, simultaneously leading and singing Ligeti’s crazed “Mysteries of the Macabre,” a daunting enough assignment purely as a soprano soloist. She conducts the GSO.
Click on these pictures to go to the YouTube videos. Wonderful leadership skills and artistry.
Here are some videos of Danny Kaye conducting. Fabulous technique, though he is not a trained musician and is dyslexic (can’t read). He is a brilliant communicator. His non-verbal gestures are expressive. From the point of leading the orchestra, he is VERY clear. Enjoy.