Jae Alexander - Musical Director Play Video

“My job entails working alongside the director and the choreographer. Initially we start the casting procedure on a show. Obviously I will want to have good singers, a good variety of voices, and the director will want certain actors and the choreographer, he wants fantastic dancers. When it comes down to the very final auditions, we will be fighting our corner to make sure that our department is looking fantastic, sounding fantastic. But the combination of the three of us work together on the process of auditioning, and then we get into rehearsals.”

Musical Director

Role

A Musical Director (MD) takes responsibility for all the musical elements of a production, leading both the actors and musicians through rehearsals and in performance, conducting the orchestra and cast.

Key Skills

Excellent musicianship.
As a manager, leading an orchestra, encouraging and enthusing both the musicians in the pit and the actors on stage.
Diplomacy and tact when working with a range of people and personalities.

Training

A typical career pathway for a Musical Director may start with being a rehearsal pianist, then progressing to Assistant Musical Director and finally to MD. Often experienced Musical Directors, in terms of their musicianship and management skills, become Musical Supervisors. The role is similar to MD but usually more creative in the early stages of a production, then mostly consultative once it’s opened. Musical Directors are constantly honing their craft, some take conducting lessons and others observe fellow MDs.

Courses

MA in Musical Direction – Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts Click Here
MA Musical Theatre Creative Practice – Arts Educational Schools Click Here
Postgraduate Diploma in Musical Direction and Coaching – Royal Academy of Music Click Here
MA Musical Theatre Performance or Directing – Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Click Here

Other courses are available. Those above represent a sample from various drama schools and universities.

Responsibilities