This incredible book by one of the world's foremost authorities on conducting contains no conducting patterns, no advice on how to conduct any piece. Instead, it focuses on the skills, knowledge and experiences needed to become and function as a conductor-teacher. Its content included: Introduction: Observations by composers, conductors and writers on the role and responsibilities of the conductor, Part 1: Focuses on the personal characteristics, essential knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to become a conductor as well as the importance of dedication, hard work and models/mentors, Part 2: Explores the selection of literature, the art of programming, and the study and marking of scores, Part 3: Examines what Gunther Schuller calls "the realization of music" and a conductor's responsibility to balance integrity, imagination, and emotion in interpreting music, Part 4: Conducting performances, the conductor player relationship, and the importance of leadership, Part 5: Focuses on rehearsals, conducting performances and repertoire, Part 6: Deals with conductor/player evaluation and the conductor's personal and musical growth, Part 7: Examines the conductor-teacher as music educator, Part 8: Lists conductor "Do's and Dont's." Conclusion: A poem by Warren Benson, a bibliography and list of recommended resources (books, guides DVDs). Book jacket.