Conductors guide, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical groups, such as orchestras, choirs, and glee clubs. Conductors lead instrumental music groups, such as symphony orchestras, dance bands, show bands, and various popular ensembles. They choose, study, and interpret musical scores to best match the talents and abilities of musicians, and to assure performances are best suited to the composer and for specific audiences.
They audition and select musicians and singers and lead them at rehearsals and performances in order to achieve harmony, rhythm, tempo, shading, and other desired musical effects. They spend considerable time practicing with their band, orchestra, or other musical ensemble.
They work in a variety of venues including the theater, for film and TV productions, operatic companies, as well as small, local musical groups.