I let my students suffer in rehearsal today. Specifically, I let four of them lead portions of rehearsal. It’s an experience I recommend for any director, and for any student who’s a leader and musically engaged.
Why? For me, I find the time spent sitting on my hands watching them rehearse to be informative, challenging, and motivating. I change my rehearsal plans based on what I see, and I learn a lot about what they’re doing on their own, versus what they’re doing with me in front of them.
For my students, it gives two gifts. First, I don’t think you can learn to lead without leading. And you can’t learn to rehearse/conduct without being in front of an ensemble. Fifteen minutes in the deep end is a great way to get some much needed experience. Second, it gives perspective. While I’m not in the top echelon of conductors, I am proficient and have a deep well of experience. When my students spend time leading rehearsal, they get the chance to pull back the curtain and see all the things that I’m making happen in rehearsal. That can be eye-opening and, I hope, motivating.