McElheran believes that an experienced conductor is one in whom detection, diagnosis, and remedy of a problem take place simultaneously. This book gives valuable hints about these three basic conductorial functions from the viewpoint of chorus and orchestra alike. McElheran leads the student toward mastery of the problems at hand, with firmness and gentle humour.

Foreword
Preface to the third edition
Preface to the revised edition
Preface to the first edition
Inspiration
Other studies
Conducting technique - general
The baton
Odds and ends
Beat patterns - theory
Beat patterns - specific
The left hand
Dynamics, accents, phrasing, tempo, character
Cues
Off-beat cues, accents, and syncopations
Conducting to records
More odds and ends
Starts and stops
Subdivision and 'merging'
Moulding the music
Fermatas
Ears
Nerves
Thoughts and interpretation
Some rehearsal suggestions
Solos and recitatives
Changing beat units
The avant-garde
The concert
Non-musical chores
On teaching conducting
Additions and amplifications for the third edition
Index