The Information Searching Behaviour of Music Directors

Abstract

Abstract
 Objective – This research project sought to elucidate some of the information searching behaviours of directors/conductors of performing music ensembles when selecting repertoire for performance. Of particular focus was the kind of information needed to select repertoire and where that information was sought and acquired.
 Methods – Semi-structured, guided interviews were undertaken with three conductors from varying musical ensemble forms (choral, orchestral, and wind). This included a graphical elicitation exercise following Sonnenwald’s concept of information horizon maps. A narrative analysis was done, and recurring themes were sought in the various responses to questions and created drawings.
 Results – The results indicated that directors make significant use of historical and print resources in creating personal lists of repertoire for current or future use. Professional connections for discussion of new or less well-known repertoire were also very important. One particularly interesting outcome was the non-temporally bound nature of conductors’ information searching behaviour, as the current models of information behaviour primarily relate to temporally bound searches. The Internet was noted by the three conductors not as an information source in and of itself but rather as an extension of other information sources.
 Conclusions – This research highlighted the atemporal nature of information searching behaviour in music directors and suggested a similar aspect in the broader information search process. It indicated a need for libraries that cater to performers to maintain historical lists of varying types (e.g., concert programs, similar lists created by other prominent members of the community, and other types of repertoire lists). Additionally, maintaining community connections and knowledge of new or newly available repertoire is important.

Information seeking behaviour in music conductors’ repertoire selection

“…Some of these might be used for studies in the context of music. Models and discussions of models that stood out are Chandler's (2019) discussion of Hektor's (2001) information behaviour model and how it could connect to conductors, Wilson's (1981) general model of information behaviour, Webster's model of creative thinking as discussed by Lavranos et al (2015) and Kostagiolas et al's (2017) discussion of how information seeking behaviour within music and the musicians' personality can motivate musical creativity. The literature also reports on Kuhlthau's (2004) information search process model in comparison to Tarasti's (1994) theory of music semantics model as discussed by Rousi et al, (2016) in their study of the typology of music information.…”

“…Textbooks published by Brinson (1996) and Phillips (2004) identified various scoring and ensemble components that conductors need to consider when selecting repertoire. Chandler (2019), who focused on the information seeking behaviour of conductors, highlights the need for the conductor to be able to interpret sheet music and convey their interpretation to their ensemble. The study concludes that the role of a conductor is to not just select repertoire but to consider their ensemble and the long-term maintenance and standard the selected repertoire could represent (Chandler, 2019).…”

“…Chandler (2019), who focused on the information seeking behaviour of conductors, highlights the need for the conductor to be able to interpret sheet music and convey their interpretation to their ensemble. The study concludes that the role of a conductor is to not just select repertoire but to consider their ensemble and the long-term maintenance and standard the selected repertoire could represent (Chandler, 2019). A conductor does not only select and gather sheet music, but is also involved in the selection of musicians, solely responsible for interpreting and conveying the music to the musicians, leads rehearsals, and conducts the selected music in a performance/s.…”

“…Conductors make use of the Internet, social media, online streaming platforms and by contacting composers directly rather than purchasing through a publisher (Chen, 2018). Chandler (2019) reports on a study with three interviewees that focused mainly on how they acquire sheet music. The study did not address information seeking and other components such as the scoring, ensemble and repertoire inspirations, and the possible external factors experienced throughout the repertoire selection process.…”

Searching, sharing and singing: understanding the information behaviors of choral directors

“…Martin and Quan-Haase (2016) are careful to state that their findings "cannot be generalized" outside the scope of historians because historians' experiences of serendipity in a physical library might primarily be because of "graspability"the "tactile nature of browsing," and the "flicking through pages, touching, and holding" of materials (p. 1013). Chandler's (2019) findings regarding the information seeking of music directors, however, also pointed to the "significant use of historical and print resources," creating greater potential for serendipity.…”