Pathways to the Podium: An examination of Australian conductors' journeys to forge careers on the world stage
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Morris, Peter M
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Bartleet, Brydie-Leigh
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Abstract
Embarking on a journey through training, experiences, and influences, this thesis delves into the career pathways that have sculpted the futures of emerging orchestral conductors in Australia. This research foregrounds my own experiences as a conductor and my observations of the increasing number of Australian orchestral conductors attaining professional podium positions nationally and internationally. Offering the first holistic investigation of its kind, this study delves into the career pathways of Australian orchestral conductors, focusing on three interrelated themes: training and development, experience and external impacts and influences, including relationships. Becoming a conductor involves many dimensions, and there is no singular pathway to attaining a professional conducting career, as revealed by this research. Opportunities to develop one's career emanate from and are influenced by a conductor's prior musical experience, along with their access to conductor training, conducting experiences, and global learning opportunities with professional ensembles, mentors, and others. Further factors include a conductor's capacities in entrepreneurship, work experience with nonprofessional ensembles, citizenship, and employability. Larger societal impacts, such as the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and changing trends in classical music, have also been shown to influence the available opportunities for aspiring conductors. The impact of gender disparity and the challenges underrepresented groups face in overcoming gender-based and race discrimination to gain recognition as orchestral conductors are also considered in this research. To secure conducting contracts, the emerging and aspiring Australian conductor may undertake training through formal studies such as postgraduate degrees in conducting and mentor-led Australian-based conductor development programs. However, significant experience is required to access these programs. To develop such experience, conductors are engaging with nonprofessional ensembles and accessing the growing number of global courses, festivals, internships, and competitions. These current realities are rarely covered in the conducting literature, which tends to focus on conducting history, pedagogy, skill and knowledge development, conductor attributes, and communication from the podium. To date, minimal literature has brought together the wide range of influences and capacities that effect the development of a professional conducting career. The aim of this thesis is to address these gaps and provide a holistic approach to studying possible conducting career pathways with a focus on impacts, influences, and capacities required of conductors in this uniquely Australian landscape. This doctoral study utilised a mixed methods research design in order to shed light on the unique experiences of individual conductors. The research involves three phases of grounded research, including a survey of conductors (N = 52), in-depth interviews with conductors (N = 12) who represent different career entry points selected from the survey participants, and a reflexive practice-led examination of my own career trajectory as an emerging Australian conductor. Aiming to inform aspiring Australian conductors, this research provides a resource to help them shape their own career pathways as they strive for a professional career on the podium. Furthermore, key findings from this research can assist stakeholders, including universities, Australian-based conductor development programs, and state orchestras, to work together to develop targeted, scaffolded initiatives. These initiatives can support aspiring conductors by providing greater access to conductor training and experiences, particularly for individuals from diverse backgrounds, and enhance their career prospects. It is also hoped that the research will contribute important insights to the current literature on conductor pedagogy and training within the context of higher education and provide information that can assist in the creation of new opportunities for aspiring conductors to achieve a professional podium position.
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Thesis (Professional Doctorate)
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Doctor of Musical Arts
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Queensland Conservatorium
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The author owns the copyright in this thesis, unless stated otherwise.
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Australia
conducting (music)
career pathways