Do orchestra conductors know how do you play all instruments?

No, but it’s relevant that an orchestra conductor understands the principles of playing the instruments of each section (strings, winds, etc.) and is aware of the possibilities and limitations thereof. Most band conductors have experience in almost every instrument.

Do music composers know how do you play instruments?

Although a composer doesn’t necessarily need to be able to play an instrument to a high standard, they do need to understand the mechanics of the instrument, its limitations and capabilities. This isn’t really a matter of genius, just of study and knowledge. It’s certainly not “intuitive” – it’s learned.

Do you have to be a conductor in order to be a composer?

Composers will be needed as well to write film scores and music for television and commercials. Employers generally prefer candidates with a master’s degree in music theory, music composition, or conducting for positions as a conductor or classical composer.

Do you need to play an instrument to conduct an orchestra?

To stand before an orchestra and conduct (a rehearsal, or a performance), you obviously don’t need the ability to play any instrument, but that time (rehearsals and performances) with the orchestra represents no more than 20\% of conductor’s work. The rest happens in the study, at the piano, with the score.

How can I become a composer without playing an instrument?

There is no replacement for the experience of playing an instrument. Furthermore, studying any of the other fields in music such as conducting, theory, musicology, music education, etc. does nothing but benefit you as a composer. Especially conducting forces your to understand the scores of composers at a much deeper level.

How do I become a music conductor?

Pretend to conduct an orchestra using CDs or videos, and work in front of a mirror so that you can see what you need to correct or improve. Obviously, you’ll want to enroll in classes that teach conducting during college, but there are other avenues that you can also explore.

Do you think conductors are necessary?

As far as I am concern conductors are for rehearsals. If you watch an orchestras you would notice that most of the time players focus on reading their notes and not so much focus given on the conductor. They may be necessary but I think their participation is overly exaggerated.