Can a conductor be defined to specific ensembles?

This phD proposal intends to research whether musical leaders (conductors) are able to make sufficient progress when leading ensembles they are not familiar with. For example; brass band conductor leading a symphony orchestra and vice versa.

This also raises additional questions such as what would define progress? What pieces are being used within the ensembles?

The methodology used would be a focus group comprising 10% of each ensemble to ensure fairness and no bias. And use the questionnaire and discussions to establish whether ‘progress’ was made and if so why or if not, why.

There is a niche in the market for ensemble musical practice led research but ponchionne-Bailey has done some good research to attempt to bridge this gap.