Prof Anthony Ritchie is taking a special paper in practical conducting at the university summer school.
The course’s 16 students will learn a range of conducting techniques and approaches, with an emphasis on rehearsal techniques, performance etiquette, score analysis and effective programming.
"There is a really long list of skills that come with being a good conductor.
"In a choir, for instance, you need to be able to sing with the choir, mouth the words, and understand how singers fit and you don't need to use the baton.
"In an orchestra, you do need to use the baton because the players have got their heads buried in their scores. The skill sets are related but different."
There were lots of exercises to help improve one’s conducting ability.
"You can develop a sense of rhythm and musicality, even doing arm exercises can be helpful.
"It could even be a matter of marching on the spot in time."
Prof Ritchie has conducted a range of choirs and orchestras.
"My father John Ritchie was a conductor, so it didn't seem a strange thing to have a go at.
"I've really enjoyed conducting youth choirs and orchestras."
He cited New Zealand choral conductor Peter Godfrey and American composer-conductor Leonard Bernstein as inspirations for his own work.
Bernstein was recently the subject of the Bradley Cooper-directed film Maestro.
"He was a great conductor but he had a lot of personal turmoil to deal with.
"Conducting can be a very stressful job at a high level, but our course is about getting started."
Some of the challenges in conducting included having a good musical memory, have a good ear, and be "confident enough to eyeball people".
"You also have to be well-organised because often you're choosing the music."
Students would gain skills in musical leadership, including rehearsal methods and successful direction through the conducting of music ensembles.
"Conducting is about collaborating with other musicians; you're there to get the best out of the players.
"I think it’s the connection you have with people that is so special, you are forming a musical community."
Summer School started on January 8 and runs until February 16.
Papers are taught over six weeks instead of the usual 13 weeks of a semester and are either on campus, distance learning, or a combination of both.
