The role of director is the most important and influential within a group. It combines elements of musician, leader, organizer, consensus builder and conductor. Learn techniques and tips that will help you maximize your rehearsal time and minimize friction between singers.

I) Most important jobs:
a) Rehearsing
b) Choosing repertoire (original and cover songs)
c) Choosing and modifying arrangements
d) Determining soloists & who sings what part
e) Determining sets (song choice and order)
f) Directing music on stage (pitch, conducting?, choosing songs?)

DISCUSSION: What are some of the challenges you’ve faced while addressing the issues listed above?

II) Most important skills
a) Musicality
b) Impartiality and fairness
c) Empathy
d) Charisma
e) Focus self and others while working
f) Perspective (knowing what’s important and what isn’t)
g) Creativity

EXERCISE: Recall music directors from your past. What were their best traits? Their worst?

III) Specific tips:
a) Be willing to sacrifice & put others needs first
b) Address problems directly
c) Admit your errors
d) Be willing and volunteer to do undesirable tasks
e) Keep a good attitude
f) Find opportunities for each member to shine on stage (solo or spotlight)
g) Take calculated creative risks (try new ideas, find new sound)
h) Keep an open relationship with all members
i) Separate business from music as much as possible
j) Make most of time in rehearsal - keep on track
k) Express your goals to everyone in advance (so they know what to expect)
l) Don’t rely on the talents of any one member too much (power, illness)
m) Work details (notes, dynamics) in music early (harder to fix later)
n) Be flexible to try new ideas, both when song is new and old
o) Involve all singers in arrangement modification during rehearsals
p) Involve others in creative decisions as much as they’d like
q) Make sure to choose songs with enough variety to address any situation
r) Remain focused on stage, but don’t forget you’re performing too
s) Ask group members for their opinions often, and let them speak (don’t interrupt or justify)
t) Know your genre - in a cappella, vocal music, and instrumental music (from recordings and live performance)
u) Keep a copy of everything you do musically
v) Listen to live or rehearsal tapes from time to time
w) Make a professional recording
x) Keep your eyes open and learn from all genres of the arts
y) Relinquish power sometimes (let others make the decisions)
z) Make sure you and others enjoy the music you’re making

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