A Socially Constructed Individualist: An Interactionist Study of Role-Making among Orchestral Conductors

The paper analyzes the role-making of an orchestral conductor. It is framed by symbolic interactionist perspective and focuses on Ralph Turner’s theory works Alfred Schütz Howard S. Becker associates. research project based grounded methodology. applied techniques include semi-structured interviews, video-elicited observations teaching conducting opera rehearsals, video analysis, secondary data analysis. results reveal how process shaped during socialization indicate social features role, such as high prestige, awareness body, exclusive group, teamwork. permanent interactions negotiations with actors: composer musical score, orchestra, soloists, ballet, audience. Additionally, it influenced cultural factors, conductor’s gender, age, nationality international experience, competencies, well type professional contract. At same time, conductors need to actively maintain image determined resolute individualists, expected actors they interact with.