Musical leadership is required in almost all ensembles and nearly every genre of music. This course prepares students with the necessary skills required in conducting and or musical directing for ensembles, orchestra, mixed ensembles, choirs, bands, studio recordings and any other professional and amateur or community context involving musical leadership. The diverse skillset required by a conductor or musical director includes: score preparation, learning parts, maintaining a constant beat, cueing, pitch and rhythmic recognition, non-verbal communication in performance, collaboration skills, conducting with click tracks, auditioning skills, physical coordination, analytical skills and leadership skills. This course helps students develop the most generic of these skills and provides them with the opportunity to focus their study on the skills that will be most useful in the chosen styles.