About Session
The influence of Co-Conducting on the competency areas of choir conductors
Team teaching has become a prominent topic in education worldwide. It describes a teaching model where two teachers share responsibility for organizational tasks, pedagogical planning, and student care. Research indicates that this collaborative approach can lead to positive outcomes such as workload reduction, increased diversity in teaching methods, and a shared feedback culture.
In choir conducting, leadership has traditionally been hierarchical, with one conductor leading the ensemble. However, recent decades show a shift towards shared leadership, driven by a new generation of conductors. This trend reflects broader societal changes favoring collective action over individual authority.
My doctoral research explores why choir conductors choose to lead as a team and how this affects their competencies and rehearsal work. The study is based on interviews with choir conductors and choir members in Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. The goal is to develop a competence model for Co-Conducting Choir Conductors.
In my presentation, I will share initial interview results and discuss the potential that co-conducting may have for future choral practice.
