TEDTalk by Itay Talgam, Lead Like the Great Conductors.

I really liked how Talgam discussed different characteristics and techniques of different conductors. I think it is human nature to think more in terms of conformity, because for the most part it makes life run a lot smoother. However, there are so many different ways to do different things, like conducting for example. When I think about the various ways to conduct, I imagine a snowflake. Strange yes, but think about the various different points a snowflake has. Now picture each different point of the snowflake representing a different technique for conducting; possibly one for each different characteristic presented by each composer discussed in the video. Each point (technique) is connected, the characteristics woven together and interlocked, creating the very centre of the snowflake, and thus representing the "perfect" composer. I put perfect in quotations because each ensemble is different and may required slightly more of one technique than another. But even if one cannot reach the dead centre of this snowflake, I think to be in the general centre area would be suffice since neither single technique/strategy is 100 percent correct (or 100 percent wrong either). And to me that is what Talgam was trying to explain in his video. That sometimes you have to be serious, and other times happy. Sometimes you can be very lose and light in keeping time, while other times you must be very strict. Having a perfect blend of these characteristics and knowing which to use more prominently at the appropriate times is an important part of being a good conductor.