Theater music directors must draw on a remarkably broad range of musical skills. Not only do they conduct during rehearsals and performances; but they must also be adept arrangers; choral directors; vocal coaches; and accompanists. Like a record producer; the successful music director must have the flexibility to adjust as needed to a multifaceted job description; one which changes with each production and often with each performer.In Music Direction for the Stage; veteran music director and instructor Joseph Church demystifies the job in a book that offers aspiring and practicing music directors the practical tips and instruction they need in order to mount a successful musical production. Church; one of Broadways foremost music directors; emerges from the orchestra pit to tell how the music is put into a musical show. He gives particular attention to the music itself; explaining how a music director can best plan the task of learning; analyzing; and teaching each new piece. Based on his years of professional experience; he offers a practical discussion of a music directors methods of analyzing; learning; and practicing a score; thoroughly illustrated by examples from the repertoire. The book also describes how a music director can effectively approach dramatic and choreographic rehearsals; including key tips on cueing music to dialogue and staging; determining incidental music and underscoring; making musical adjustments and revisions in rehearsal; and adjusting style and tempo to performers needs. A key theme of the book is effective collaboration with other professionals; from the production team to the creative team to the performers themselves; all grounded in Churchs real-world experience with professional; amateur; and even student performances. He concludes with a look at music direction as a career; offering invaluable advice on how the enterprising music director can find work and gain standing in the field.
#2791299 in eBooks 2015-01-21 2015-01-21File Name: B00RKZWMUY
Review
9 of 11 people found the following review helpful. An excellent bookBy Patrick T. WatsonThe role of beauty in contemporary art has become a hot topic and this compilation of writings and interviews presents a group of well written and well considered perspectives. Ive just finished it and am re-reading many of the essays; as I consider them cogent and inspirational.2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Must have!By AlexThis is most wonderful collection of essays on subject of Beauty. It is a "must have" for all people serious about art.0 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The majority of this book is written on a level ...By Floating SignifierThe majority of this book is written on a level for weak grad students and inappropriate for undergrads. The material is presented in first person and delivered with the intent of making aesthetic theory personable and readable; instead; it comes across as one mans opinion.... until the interviews. Sheesh and yikes. The interviews are dated; lacking in dignity; and; at times; sexist. Despite facing the wrath of the campus bookstore I am sending these back.
