Conductor as musicianship mentor: A summary overview of a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) thesis

Abstract

This paper is a summary overview of a Doctor of Musical Arts thesis that examines what happens at the nexus between musicianship and ensemble performance, and the role of mentoring in this process. This is doctoral research informs best practice in musicianship, ensemble performance and mentoring within the context of higher music education in Australia. The conductor as musicianship mentor model demonstrates the importance of self-mentoring to mentors and mentees, particularly mentees emerging as mentors. When a pedagogically sequential voice-based program is intentionally aligned with an ensemble performance program, the resulting synergy has a unique, purposeful, and powerful impact on the teaching and learning environment.