Are there any left-handed conductors?

There are three widely-known, living left-handed conductors in the world today. Pianist Peter Nero, conductor of the Philly Pops, says he’s left-handed to begin with, but going back 30 or 35 years he started conducting left-handed “out of self-defense.”

Can you be left-handed in an orchestra?

“There are actually many left-handed players in symphony orchestras,” writes Jonathan Crow, concertmaster of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

Which hand do you conduct with?

The baton is usually held in the right hand though some left-handed conductors hold it in the left. Young left-handed conductors are, however, sometimes encouraged to learn right-handed conducting.

Are there violins for lefties?

A left-handed violin is the mirror image of a standard violin. It is a reflection, not an opposite. You can’t turn a standard violin into a left-handed one by simply putting the strings on in reverse. Therefore, if you need a left-handed violin, you must buy or rent it, you can’t alter a standard one.

What is a conductors stick called?

A baton is a stick that is used by conductors primarily to enlarge and enhance the manual and bodily movements associated with directing an ensemble of musicians.

Are there any left handed conductors in the world?

There are plenty of left-handed conductors out on the stages of the world, whether with high school bands or at Symphony Hall. Donald Runnicles and the late, great Paavo Berglund are two of the biggest names who readily spring to mind.

What are the pros and cons of being left-handed?

Being left-handed also has its perks, including: Left-handed people are at an advantage in a wide range of sports, from fencing to boxing. The sporting advantage also includes taking the right-handed opponent by surprise, because right-handed athletes aren’t used to playing against left-handed opponents.

Can a left-handed person conduct in an ensemble?

There are essentially no reasons whatsoever why a left hander cannot successfully conduct, in any branch of conducting, with an ensemble of any ability.

Do left-handed people experience problems with cross laterality?

Research into cross laterality is ongoing. Since 90 per cent of the population is right-handed, left-handed people do experience some practical problems, including: Western writing runs from left to right. A left-handed person has to ‘crab’ their hand in order to write without smudging the ink.