Through the creation of the continuing study in rhythmic ensemble conducting at the Norwegian Academy of Music in the fall of 2023, it can be suggested that conducting rhythmic music requires specific competence that has not been covered by the existing studies in conducting or ensemble leading. There is little research into what such competence can be and what differences and similarities it has from other kinds of conducting.
The aim of the project is therefore to study how we can understand competence in the conducting of rhythmic music with large ensembles. Observation and qualitative research interviews with a wide range of conductors and musicians will hopefully provide different considerations, experiences and understandings from practitioners in the field. The material will then be examined and discussed based on a general model of competence in the role of the conductor before the various elements of competence are looked at in more detail through different theories.