The director must also oversee the band’s finances. Other areas should not be left without proper supervision.
Let’s look at the functions that every musical director must perform (or delegate).
Diagnostic – identifying the “pains” and how to address them. Where the artist is weak, where there are gaps, and how to help them overcome these temporary difficulties.
Organizational – the ability to effectively create a performance schedule. Ensuring the band doesn’t “die out” or “burn out” during touring.
Educational – of course, they must teach. Constantly seek out new and better educational programs, sign the band up for master classes with famous artists, etc.
Ducational – this refers to cultural ethics. This applies more to teenage groups, but even in later years, it wouldn’t hurt to remind musicians how to behave in society.
Developmental – they must monitor their development and promptly find exercises to improve their skills. Provide various exercises to develop performance skills, practical skills, and musical horizons.
Corrective – especially producers who know how to properly adjust the course of both strategic development and tactical actions. What to do over the course of three years (strategy), how to proceed over the course of a month or week (tactics). When it’s time to record an album, when to simply accept gig bookings and not burden the musicians. A manager needs to know all this.
Projective – create a project based on the band’s work. In the background, be able to create additional projects that will complement and promote the band’s work (merch, charity, etc.).
Managerial – someone needs to manage this. Systematize all the data, constantly analyze it, fire when necessary, hire when necessary.
Consultative – provide advice and recommendations from an experienced master. Must recognize problems or stagnation of musicians in a timely manner and recommend solutions.
Analytical – I would definitely analyze EVERYTHING that could be measured and quantified. How many concerts? What are we playing? What equipment are we using? How many fans came? How many of them are just listeners or fans? Should we travel to a neighboring city for a performance or should we build our popularity to a certain level? And many other questions that help us assess the current situation in the band.
Targeted – I am responsible for aligning the team with a common goal, constantly reminding them and shining a light like a beacon. Here, the leader should inspire and motivate them to develop and move toward a goal that is appealing to everyone.
Control – Oversee rehearsal, concert, touring, and other processes. Record and review performances and rehearsals, identify problems, and resolve them or improve conditions if necessary.
Mediation – Acts as an intermediary between you and fans, the media, clients, other musicians, and organizers.
Now tell them that the band’s manager is doing nothing and the musicians don’t need such important help and can play without him.
A true music director takes on all responsibilities simply so that the musicians can play without burdening their heads with unnecessary information.
I hope you find a great music director or express your gratitude to your current mentor. They are far fewer in number than musicians. Appreciate and respect them for their often-unnoticed work.
A music director is the conductor of your group.
