Basic principles on conducting of music ensembles in the context of music teaching and evaluation of opinions on the subject

This study aims to determine the approaches to the basic principles regarding the music ensembles conducting tasks that music teachers encounter in daily school life. Music ensembles conducting tasks refer to the execution of collective music activities such as instrumental ensembles and choirs in the context of conducting duties. Within the scope of the research, interviews with academicians and conductors experienced in choir and orchestra conducting, books written on conducting education, and educational videos on conducting were examined with content analysis; and the survey conducted with music teachers was evaluated with frequency analysis. The content analyses conducted with the qualitative research method and the survey conducted with frequency analysis using the quantitative research method were evaluated together. In this context, the research was conducted with a mixed research method. While the study findings revealed that teachers experienced various difficulties in issues such as repertoire selection, rehearsal approaches, and student motivation, suggestions of experienced conductors regarding leadership, communication, and musical direction skills specific to music teaching were determined. As a result of the content analysis of books and videos on conducting, the basic principles that were taken into consideration were revealed. In line with the research results, various suggestions were presented regarding important issues that should be considered in the music teacher training program. These suggestions include new and important principles for music ensembles management courses.