Power of a check-in
Whenever I get to lead a rehearsal process as a conductor, I'm always curious about how I can create conditions to feel safe for all to be our best and continue to grow as artists.
It's the kind of work culture I've rarely experienced. I know not having it stunted my growth and hindered my potential. When I don't feel safe (psychologically), it's impossible to do well. When the focus is on delivering the final product, I feel ensnared in a trap of black-and-white perfectionism.
Even though I've picked up numerous work culture “tactics” after years of learning about leadership, I've struggled to apply them in my work on the podium. Maybe it’s my own (and others’) resistance. Maybe it’s the fear of losing rehearsal time to try them.
Despite these barriers, I pushed myself to try at least one new experiment per rehearsal process.
So I want to share my most recent experiment and some reflections:
I was working on a production of a very difficult opera by Alexander Zemlinsky (a mix of Mahler and Strauss, with a touch of Schoenberg). Before we dove into our music rehearsal with the singers, I created space for us to “check-in” with 3 prompts:
What about this music excites you?
What about it confuses you?
What about it surprises you?
These are meant to be growth-oriented: tapping into emotional excitement, sharing something uncertain we hope to overcome, and identifying discoveries we’ve already made.
Plus, I was intentional to frame it as an experiment and share how it's the first time I've ever tried this. I invited everyone to be a co-conspirator, to create and experience something new together.
So I began with my responses, and then we went around the room to each singer. It took about 10-15 minutes at the top of the music rehearsal. Interesting mini-conversations naturally came about. And it was well worth our time!
Here are my 5 key takeaways from trying it:
It humanized us. We got to know each other more deeply than the typical meet-and-greet introductions. We got a peek into how our minds work, what we cared about, how this production plays a part in our overall artistic journey.
It was an immediate opportunity to bond over a shared experience. There were many “me too” moments.
It opened ourselves up to many different perspectives from different people. Some were exactly what I was thinking, and others were something I've never considered. I'm sure it created similar sparks in others too.
It gave space for the singers to talk and have their ideas be heard, rather only to be talked at.
We got to connect and be seen equally, which I hope disarmed some of the first-day anxiety.
I was grateful that the production team gave me space to try this "check-in” and that the singers were game. I hope that it sets the stage for singers to feel comfortable speaking up and exchanging ideas as we move forward. I hope the deeper connection allows us to see and support each other more effectively.
I'm confident that there is something powerful here. And if I were to try this again, I can see how the prompts can be different depending on the context of the work.
How does this resonate with you? How might you be able to incorporate a quick check-in with your musicians in similar ways?
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