Transfer method of conducting in the symphony orchestra of the Hanoi National Conservatory of Music, Vietnam

This is a qualitative designed and conducted with two primary research aims, which were: 1) To study the life and experiences of symphonic orchestra conductors in Hanoi, Vietnam; 2) To study the inheritance process for conductors of the symphonic orchestra in Hanoi, Vietnam. The research area for this investigation was purposively selected as the Vietnam National Academy of Music in Hanoi. The investigation began in October 2012 and was concluded in January 2014. The two key informants for this investigation were expert conductors and teachers at the academy, Dr. Nguyễn Phúc Linh and Dr. Nguyễn Thiếu Hoa. Data was collected from a combination of document analysis and field research. Tools used for data collection included interviews, participant and non-participant observation and focus group discussions. Results show that both of the key informants for this investigation were born into families of artists and had a particularly close relationship with traditional folk art. Scholarships to study abroad at the Tchaikovsky University, Russia enabled them to learn from Russian conductors and they developed the skills that have now led them to be recognized as being among the most accomplished conductors in Vietnam. The process of instruction preferred by these two academics is taught in three steps: the preparation stage, the teaching stage and the assessment and evaluation stage. The benefits of studying with Dr. Nguyễn Phúc Linh and Dr. Nguyễn Thiếu Hoa are the cumulative experiences of international conducting practices and the high standards that the two academics possess and demand.

Keywords – Transfer method, conducting, symphony orchestra, Hanoi National Conservatory of Music, Vietnam