Abstract:

This study aims to evaluate the process of becoming a choir, orchestra conductor, the field qualifications required for conducting, the criteria for being appointed to state art institutions as a conductor, and the training process of a conductor in Turkey. The “narrative research” approach, one of the qualitative methods, was used in the research. The study group of the research consistsb of individuals who work in state art institutions such as Turkish Radio and Television Corporation, Ministry of Culture, State Opera and Ballet, orchestra, choir conductor, and ensemble manager. In the research, interviews were conducted with the participants using a semi-structured interview form developed by the researcher. According to the results of the analysis, almost all conductors started conducting after working as vocal or instrumental artist in a music ensemble. Most of the conductors started to receive music education as an amateur at a young age, and a small number of them received vocational music education/conducting education. The status of being appointed as a conductor and taking the title varies according to institutions and music genres. It is not necessary to have professional music education/conducting training to be a conductor in other fields, except for the Presidential Symphony Orchestra Conductors, Turkish Radio and Television Corporation Polyphonic Choir Conductors, and Ministry of Culture Polyphonic Choir Conductors.

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