The Conductor As Leader

Course Description:

The Conductor As Leader offers a comprehensive exploration of leadership and some practical ideas about how we can use our talents as conductors to be a significant part of a significant experience. This course is for any conductor who wants to better understand their role as a leader from the podium. It doesn’t matter if you conduct university choirs or the community band, or if you conduct by default because you are the general music teacher and beginning orchestra was part of the job (and you needed one.) The principles in this course apply to all conductors and teachers who are willing to look hard at the way in which they live their professional lives. Regardless of your setting, these are fundamental principles that, when applied, can help you and the ensemble grow to the next level, to reach your goals and to accomplish this in a way that makes creating music in a community of musicians a rewarding experience—not just on “good days," but every day. If you want to grow as an artist who leads, if you want to understand how to make a significant difference in the lives of those you conduct, and if you want to enjoy the process of developing excellent ensembles, then this course is for you. 

Students will need internet access to complete online video content available at www.fwdmotion.org and basic word processing skills. Additional credit may be earned when observing and evaluating the work of three colleagues, video taping and critiquing their own rehearsal, then scheduling a private instruction session with Dr. Wis to review.      

Course Outcomes:

Students will…

• Consider elements of vision, trust, persuasion, character, and teaching technique, as requisites for effective leadership
• Learn and practice the differences between coercion and servant-leadership  
• Write a personal mission statement and Leadership Growth Plan

Course Components:

This course includes online video lectures, prescribed comprehension response questions, and reflection essays.  All coursework instructions and videos will be found on www.fwdmotion.org.  Completed coursework should be submitted online via the interactive Forward Motion module available immediately after registration and sign-in.  Students must receive a passing grade to receive university credit by successful completion of all assignments.