The whole conductor: Weston Noble's philosophies on the psychology of conducting and musicianship.

Abstract

Based upon elements of psychological theory, Noble has focused his artistic and educational objectives on the concept of exploration of the subjective side of the musical art. This approach has enabled him to achieve unparalleled success in his ability to relate to a vast number of singers in choral ensembles throughout the world. It has also allowed him to elicit tremendous feeling reactions to music from singers and, by extension, the listening audience. It is this focus on the emotional elements of music making that has become the overriding educational objective in all of Noble's work and the primary factor in his tremendous success as a conductor.

Weston H. Noble, Director of Choral Music Activities at Luther College, is an internationally known conductor, clinician, and music educator. Making twenty-five to thirty annual appearances apart from his teaching duties at Luther College, he has served as guest conductor for more than 775 music festivals throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and South America.

The purpose of this document is to present and chronicle Weston Noble's philosophies on the psychology of conducting and musicianship in a manner that is both enlightening and useful to the reader, while attempting to discern those elements that, in his opinion, are inherent in truly musical people. After a brief biography, the document defines and explores pertinent concepts of Jungian psychology, as interpreted by those writers who have influenced Mr. Noble. Following the definition of terms, the document discusses Noble's adaptation and application of these concepts to the art of conducting. Included in the latter section is discussion of elements and procedures that lead to a state of transparency and greater awareness of the Self, which Noble believes to be crucial steps to a deeper understanding and insight into the spirit of a musical composition.