Orchestra rehearsal strategies: Conductor and performer views

Abstract

This article is a qualitative study of conductor and performer views of orchestra rehearsal strategies. Twenty professional musicians (10 conductors and 10 performers) participated in a research survey studying orchestra rehearsal strategies including organisation, rehearsal methods, rehearsal priorities and conductor/player rehearsal skills. A qualitative analysis of the answers given by participants was undertaken using an inductive method and two main themes emerged: social issues of collective study, and strategies for collective study. Analysis of this study provides evidence of orchestra rehearsal strategies employed by conductors and performers, who all showed a common orientation in the use of metacognition strategies; they also shared a goal-oriented practice approach, and awareness of rehearsal organisation. The research reveals the relationship between cognitive and social dimensions and that the ability to develop a coherent rehearsal plan was related to the importance of creating a friendly environment considering the performers’ needs. Also, management and problem solving skills were considered of great significance for a conductor as professional rehearsals are inevitably subject to restrictive time constraints.