How to become a Music Director

If your'e just starting out and aiming to become in charge of the music, where do you begin and how you get involved? In this video we look at starting your journey into the great world of Musical Theatre as a Music Director. Part of the course for aspiring Music Directors in Musical Theatre. Learn numerous techniques in getting the very best from your performers. What works and what doesn't work. We will look at Music Direction from start to finish. What does it take to become a confident Music Director, your roles and responsibilities, choosing productions for your group, marking up the score, leading singing rehearsals, working with principal actors, choosing audition pieces, the audition process, working with your production team, choosing a band or orchestra on a limited budget, conducting technique, working with musicians in your band, leading rehearsals, the band call, the technical rehearsal, the dress rehearsal and the performance itself.....what can go wrong and how to fix it.

[@teadloquor]

Dear Rob. I have greatly appreciated your wise and practical advice. I’m currently rehearsing sister act with an enthusiastic cast and an already fabulous Deloris. I very much hope I get the chance one day to buy you a pie and a pint (or whatever would be equivalent and appropriate) to say thank you! Patrick

[@MusicDirectorOnline]

Hi Patrick. Thank you for your comments and I'm pleased you're enjoying your experience with Sister Act which isn't that easy in places. Just keep up the energy in rehearsals, know the score better than anyone else in your company, make your rehearsals interesting. Let me know how you get on. Rob.

[@paulgcaron]

Will Rogers Follies

[@malcolmmaclean9380]

I have been an accompanist for musical theatre (and choirs and church) for nearly 30 years including acting as MD for a cabaret group but have never made the jump to MD for an actual show. I also have a decent vocal knowledge through singing and lessons which is useful. I wondered about approaching a couple of MDs I work with about being somewhat of an apprentice or even assistant MD but wasn't sure how that would go down. What are your thoughts?

[@MusicDirectorOnline]

I don't think theres any harm in asking those you know if you can take a rehearsal sometime for experience. Pity the NODA Summer School course isn't running anymore. Email them and ask if there's any chance it could restart.

[@akajj7784]

Kinda don't know what to choose for my job Music teacher Concert pianist(might be too hard) I don't rly know pls tell me for some ideas also I got an accompanist since I can't rly use my left hand

[@malcolmmaclean9380]

Also, I looked at NODA thinking in normal times their summer school might be interesting but there is nothing for budding MDs.

[@MusicDirectorOnline]

I used to run that course but it ceased about 9 years ago. They may restart it if there is enough interest.

[@malcolmmaclean9380]

@@MusicDirectorOnline I think the issue with that is that often accompanists and potential MDs aren't members of NODA (e.g. I was never a member of the society I used to accompany and never thought to join as a personal member) and don't even know the summer school exists. I would be interested and there must be others if advertised sufficiently.