Expressiveness in Choral Conducting
Key Insights and Approaches from Expert Conductors
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 17575537 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Ana Val-Claraco (0009-0005-3916-8390, Universidad de Zaragoza), Oscar Casanova (0000-0002-8263-3447, Universidad de Zaragoza, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Publication date | 2026-02-16 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Journal of Music Education (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0255-7614 • E-ISSN: 1744-795X |
| Publisher | SAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/02557614261420617 |
| OpenAlex | W7129034925 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 20 |
Choral rehearsal can be considered a teaching-learning space where conductor partially adopts the role of a teacher. To achieve the desired aim, the conductors must possess numerous skills. In choral conducting expressiveness is one of the key elements to consider. Using a qualitative methodology based on semi-structured interviews with six expert conductors, strategies and tools to enhance expressiveness during rehearsals with amateur choirs of different levels were identified. The analysis suggests that clear and effective communication, including verbal and non-verbal elements, is essential to establish a musical and emotional connection between choir and conductor. The need to adapt expressive gestures to the musical context, the choir’s level, and the phases of rehearsal is emphasized. These insights may provide insight into the importance of providing conductors with training that integrates conducting technique, expressivity, and communication. It also emphasizes the need for observation and self-analysis to enrich conducting practices. Without generalizable conclusions, the study contributes to understanding that expressiveness and communication should be considered as part of conductor training to improve rehearsal dynamics and enhance musical performance. Based on the insights and experiences of the conductors, effective choral conducting requires combining technique, expressiveness, and empathetic leadership to achieve more engaging interpretations
Amateur · Choir · Gesture · Impromptu · Music and emotion · Musical · New Interfaces for Musical Expression · Diverse Music Education Insights · Musicology and Musical Analysis · Neuroscience and Music Perception
Embodied cognition and its significance for education
Empatía y liderazgo del director musical, competencias clave en la motivación de coros juveniles
Modos de construcción social de sentido en el coro
The efficacy of imagery-based instruction for expressive performance
Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance (CMP) model in choir ensemble
The influences of facial expression and conducting gesture on college musicians' perceptions of choral conductor and ensemble expressivity
How much is too much? Effects of unexpressive, expressive, and overly-expressive conducting on ensemble expressivity ratings
Promoting learning and interaction during choir rehearsal
Listeners’ Perceptions of Choral Performances With Static and Expressive Movement
Conductor Expressivity Affects Evaluation of Rehearsal Instruction
| Citations per year | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |