Becoming a Good Music Director

                 Music is an art form and cultural activity whose medium is sound organized in time. The common elements of music are pitch (which governs melody and harmony), rhythm (and its associated concepts tempo, meter, and articulation), dynamics (loudness and softness), and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture (which are sometimes termed the "color" of a musical sound). Different styles or types of music may emphasize, de-emphasize or omit some of these elements. Music is performed with a vast range of instruments and vocal techniques ranging from singing to rapping; there are solely instrumental pieces, solely vocal pieces (such as songs without instrumental accompaniment) and pieces that combine singing and instruments.

               

                 It can be hugely beneficial to follow a checklist in the moments leading up to a rehearsal. 

Doing anything well requires hard work, and this is no different. The MD must prepare more than anyone else.

First, you prepare as an instrumentalist. 

You want to be free of thinking too much about your part. 

You are no good to the band if all of your mind's attention is on your playing.

Secondly, prepare as the director. 

You should understand the structure of every song. 

You don't need to know every part, but you do need to know the song's form and shape.

Study each intro, interlude, and outro.

 Here are a few examples:

How many bars are between the Chorus and verse two?

Are there any time signature changes?

Are there any moments where the band drops out or holds a chord together?

Write all of this down as you study. Do not trust your memory.

For each song, make a list of two or three key things to remember. 

Here are a few examples:

Piano only through the first chorus

Only one bar between C2 and Bridge

Band drops out after the bridge; back in halfway through next chorus

Practice calling cues. More on this later.

I encourage you to get on stage with three minutes to go in the countdown and go through your checklist:

The Checklist:

Review your notes.

Go through each transition in your mind.

Confirm your personal instrument is ready.

Whether keys or guitar, make sure your first sound is selected and volumes are set correctly.

Think through patch changes or effects switches throughout the set.

Confirm the click (metronome) is working. If another person is running the click, have them start and stop it.

Remind the band how the service will start.

Encourage and/or give last-minute coaching to the team. Here are a few examples:

Ask them to pray for the congregation as they wait for the service to start.

You voice a prayer for the team and congregation over the talkback mic.

Admonish the players to be physically engaged and sing along.

Remind the team of a meaningful lyric in the set.

(for more http://themusicschop.net/blog/2013/10/22/becoming-a-great-music-director)