My goal is to develop an ensemble’s autonomy to the point where there is no difference when I’m not in front of them.
At the start of the year, I find that the ensembles I conduct are about 50% less polished without me in front of them. From musicality to physical engagement to focus, my presence in front of them makes a tremendous difference.
So, from the beginning to the end of the year, we’re talking about that. Talking about the engagement with each other, with the music, with their audience, so that they internalize it. We’re talking about solidifying musicality until they don’t need my reminders. We’re practicing with me sitting on my hands for longer and longer.
Even with that concerted effort, it takes months to slowly raise that 50% to 0%.
It’s the right move, I truly believe, to create independent musicians who will keep making music after they stop singing with me.