This workshop is designed for beginner choral conductors, with the goal of helping them master fundamental conducting skills. Led by Dr. Chia-Fen Weng, this session will use practical music examples and exercises to help participants learn how to use their body, facial expressions, and gestures to confidently and effectively guide a choir’s performance.
The workshop will progressively cover several key techniques, including:
(1) Common basic beat patterns;
(2) The functions and coordination of the left and right hands;
(3) The fundamental techniques commonly used in music, such as cueing, cut-offs, and dynamics.
Through hands-on practice, participants will gain a more precise control over musical details, clearly convey their musical ideas, and project greater confidence when standing on the podium.
About Dr. Weng
Dr. Chia-Fen Weng is a distinguished Taiwanese choral conductor, active in the music scene for many years and known for her profound and timeless musical interpretations. She is adept at performing choral works from various eras and is committed to premiering new Taiwanese compositions. She has significantly contributed to the development and promotion of choral education in Taiwan and has been invited to serve as a jury member for numerous international choral festivals and competitions. Dr. Weng holds a D.M.A. in Choral Conducting from the University of Texas at Austin. After returning to Taiwan, she taught at Taiwan Sun Yat-sen University and Taiwan Normal University. She served as the Artistic Director of the Kaohsiung Chamber Choir from 2002 to 2024 and was the President of the Taiwan Choral Association from 2016 to 2025. Dr. Weng is a lifetime member of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and a member of the International Federation for Choral Music (IFCM).
