--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I think conductors do spend too little…" description: "\"I think conductors do spend too little time with their orchestras.\" — Zubin Mehta" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/857/zubin-mehta-7563_conductors_i-think-conductors-do-spend-too-little-t_1571494.png" --- # I think conductors do spend too little time with their… ![“I think conductors do spend too little time with their orchestras.” quote by Zubin Mehta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/857/zubin-mehta-7563_conductors_i-think-conductors-do-spend-too-little-t_1571494.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/857/zubin-mehta-7563_conductors_i-think-conductors-do-spend-too-little-t_1571494.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/857/zubin-mehta-7563_conductors_i-think-conductors-do-spend-too-little-t_1571494.png) > “I think conductors do spend too little time with their orchestras.” [Zubin Mehta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zubin-mehta/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Conductors often neglect direct rehearsal time, limiting ensemble cohesion and artistic depth. **In simple terms:** Conductors need more rehearsal with orchestras. Key Takeaway Increase rehearsal time. Themes music leadership collaboration Mood thoughtful inquisitive Type musical professional When to use this quote - orchestra rehearsals - tour planning - recording sessions - educational workshops Key Concepts ensemble dynamics artistic development Questions to Reflect On - How can conductors maximize limited rehearsal time? - What alternative practices can strengthen ensemble unity? A Different Perspective Budget constraints and touring schedules limit rehearsal opportunities. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Conductors](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conductors/) [Conductors Spend](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conductors-spend-5915851/) [I think](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/i-think/) [Little](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/little/) [Little time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/little-time/) [Orchestras](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/orchestras/) [Song](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/song/) [Spend](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spend/) [Think](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/think/) [Think Conductors](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/think-conductors-5915850/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) [Time Orchestras](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time-orchestras-1871041/) [Too](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/too/) ## Related quotes > [I sometimes feel it is to my disadvantage that I have not conducted the Cleveland Orchestra or the Boston or Chicago symphonies, but then…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zubin-mehta/i-sometimes-feel-it-is-to-my-disadvantage-that-i-have-not-conducted/) [Zubin Mehta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zubin-mehta/) > [And what unity is to be had, at a time when orchestras are dying out, and when opera houses are about to close their…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dietrich-fischer-dieskau/and-what-unity-is-to-be-had-at-a-time-when-orchestras-are-dying-out/) [Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dietrich-fischer-dieskau/) > [Go to the young conductors who are not making it, and you will hear how we shouldn't push ourselves or sell ourselves, how they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zubin-mehta/go-to-the-young-conductors-who-are-not-making-it-and-you-will-hear/) [Zubin Mehta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zubin-mehta/) > [I endeavor that all orchestras I conduct sound Central European.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zubin-mehta/i-endeavor-that-all-orchestras-i-conduct-sound-central-european/) [Zubin Mehta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zubin-mehta/) > [There are three orchestras in Munich, all world-quality, in a city of one million. Yet every hall is full.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zubin-mehta/there-are-three-orchestras-in-munich-all-world-quality-in-a-city-of/) [Zubin Mehta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zubin-mehta/) > [It seems always to have been difficult to have been a New York Philharmonic conductor because of the nature of New York. We are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zubin-mehta/it-seems-always-to-have-been-difficult-to-have-been-a-new-york/) [Zubin Mehta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zubin-mehta/) > [I enjoyed harassing tram conductors.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeetendra/i-enjoyed-harassing-tram-conductors/) [Jeetendra](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeetendra/) > [I played with the best conductors of the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mstislav-rostropovich/i-played-with-the-best-conductors-of-the-world/) [Mstislav Rostropovich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mstislav-rostropovich/) > [“The great leaders are like hte best conductors; they reach beyond the notes to reach the magic in the players.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/blaine-lee/the-great-leaders-are-like-hte-best-conductors-they-reach-beyond-the/) [Blaine Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/blaine-lee/) > [Technique is communication: the two words are synonymous in conductors.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leonard-bernstein/technique-is-communication-the-two-words-are-synonymous-in-conductors/) [Leonard Bernstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leonard-bernstein/) > [Do you know why conductors live so long? Because we perspire so much.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-barbirolli/do-you-know-why-conductors-live-so-long-because-we-perspire-so-much/) [John Barbirolli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-barbirolli/) > [Conductors are performers.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-tilson-thomas/conductors-are-performers/) [Michael Tilson Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-tilson-thomas/) > [Carbon nanotubes are amazing because they're really good electrical conductors, yet they are only a few atoms in diameter. You can make transistors out…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-mceuen/carbon-nanotubes-are-amazing-because-they-re-really-good-electrical/) [Paul McEuen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-mceuen/) > [Conductors start getting good when everybody else retires.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-rattle/conductors-start-getting-good-when-everybody-else-retires/) [Simon Rattle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-rattle/) > [Conductors make too much fuss about conductors! Humility and hard work are virtues. We're nothing without our musicians.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-rattle/conductors-make-too-much-fuss-about-conductors-humility-and-hard-work/) [Simon Rattle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-rattle/) ## More by Zubin Mehta > [I'm a Persian Jew, and we don't speak Hebrew.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zubin-mehta/i-m-a-persian-jew-and-we-don-t-speak-hebrew/) [Zubin Mehta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zubin-mehta/) > [I've never said, 'I live for art.'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zubin-mehta/i-ve-never-said-i-live-for-art/) [Zubin Mehta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zubin-mehta/) > [...Ori Kam is an outstanding violist who has already played as a soloist with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra twice, much to our delight and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zubin-mehta/ori-kam-is-an-outstanding-violist-who-has-already-played-as-a-soloist/) [Zubin Mehta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zubin-mehta/) > [New York for a long time was a kind of conductor's graveyard.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zubin-mehta/new-york-for-a-long-time-was-a-kind-of-conductor-s-graveyard/) [Zubin Mehta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zubin-mehta/) > [Citizens of India, Pakistan, and Kashmir need to come together and make music.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zubin-mehta/citizens-of-india-pakistan-and-kashmir-need-to-come-together-and-make/) [Zubin Mehta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zubin-mehta/) > [I have been to Kashmir many times, especially with my family, in the '70s.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zubin-mehta/i-have-been-to-kashmir-many-times-especially-with-my-family-in-the-70s/) [Zubin Mehta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zubin-mehta/) > [In truth, I became a conductor because deep down I wanted to conduct Brahmss four symphonies and Richard Strausss tone poems.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zubin-mehta/in-truth-i-became-a-conductor-because-deep-down-i-wanted-to-conduct/) [Zubin Mehta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zubin-mehta/) > [I'm a pucca Indian. Bombay is my home.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zubin-mehta/i-m-a-pucca-indian-bombay-is-my-home/) [Zubin Mehta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zubin-mehta/) > [My tastes are Viennese.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zubin-mehta/my-tastes-are-viennese/) [Zubin Mehta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zubin-mehta/) > [Music is the message of peace, and music only brings peace.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zubin-mehta/music-is-the-message-of-peace-and-music-only-brings-peace/) [Zubin Mehta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zubin-mehta/) > [I am jealous of all those people who live on the shore of Dal Lake.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zubin-mehta/i-am-jealous-of-all-those-people-who-live-on-the-shore-of-dal-lake/) [Zubin Mehta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zubin-mehta/) > [Most Arab Israelis speak Hebrew, but not the other way around. It's about time that changed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zubin-mehta/most-arab-israelis-speak-hebrew-but-not-the-other-way-around-it-s/) [Zubin Mehta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zubin-mehta/) > [ Essentially, the \[New York\] Philharmonic is just like any other orchestra-they all have the spirit of kids, and if you scratch away a little… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zubin-mehta/essentially-the-new-york-philharmonic-is-just-like-any-other/) [Zubin Mehta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zubin-mehta/) > [I always look at the work of fashion designers as if they were art.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zubin-mehta/i-always-look-at-the-work-of-fashion-designers-as-if-they-were-art/) [Zubin Mehta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zubin-mehta/) > [There are three orchestras in Munich, all world-quality, in a city of one million. Yet every hall is full.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zubin-mehta/there-are-three-orchestras-in-munich-all-world-quality-in-a-city-of/) [Zubin Mehta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zubin-mehta/) [Explore all 90 Zubin Mehta quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zubin-mehta/) ## More Conductors quotes > [Conductors make too much fuss about conductors! Humility and hard work are virtues. We're nothing without our musicians.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-rattle/conductors-make-too-much-fuss-about-conductors-humility-and-hard-work/) [Simon Rattle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-rattle/) > [Conductors start getting good when everybody else retires.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-rattle/conductors-start-getting-good-when-everybody-else-retires/) [Simon Rattle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-rattle/) > [Carbon nanotubes are amazing because they're really good electrical conductors, yet they are only a few atoms in diameter. You can make transistors out…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-mceuen/carbon-nanotubes-are-amazing-because-they-re-really-good-electrical/) [Paul McEuen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-mceuen/) > [Conductors are performers.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-tilson-thomas/conductors-are-performers/) [Michael Tilson Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-tilson-thomas/) > [Do you know why conductors live so long? Because we perspire so much.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-barbirolli/do-you-know-why-conductors-live-so-long-because-we-perspire-so-much/) [John Barbirolli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-barbirolli/) > [Technique is communication: the two words are synonymous in conductors.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leonard-bernstein/technique-is-communication-the-two-words-are-synonymous-in-conductors/) [Leonard Bernstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leonard-bernstein/) > [“The great leaders are like hte best conductors; they reach beyond the notes to reach the magic in the players.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/blaine-lee/the-great-leaders-are-like-hte-best-conductors-they-reach-beyond-the/) [Blaine Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/blaine-lee/) > [I played with the best conductors of the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mstislav-rostropovich/i-played-with-the-best-conductors-of-the-world/) [Mstislav Rostropovich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mstislav-rostropovich/) > [I enjoyed harassing tram conductors.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeetendra/i-enjoyed-harassing-tram-conductors/) [Jeetendra](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeetendra/) > [The great leaders are like the best conductors - they reach beyond the notes to reach the magic in the players..](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-great-leaders-are-like-the-best-conductors-they-reach-beyond-the/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“All great conductors are different. The mediocre ones are more or less the same.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-mauceri/all-great-conductors-are-different-the-mediocre-ones-are-more-or-less/) [John Mauceri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-mauceri/) > [Young conductors who are confident enough, they very often have success.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kurt-masur/young-conductors-who-are-confident-enough-they-very-often-have-success/) [Kurt Masur](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kurt-masur/) > [Directors have a tendency to use their hands like orchestra conductors. They don't realize that the actor is looking at their faces, anyway.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-j-pakula/directors-have-a-tendency-to-use-their-hands-like-orchestra/) [Alan J. Pakula](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-j-pakula/) > [They gave me four weeks, and I asked if the first week could be just music with the two main conductors. So, the conductors…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rue-mcclanahan/they-gave-me-four-weeks-and-i-asked-if-the-first-week-could-be-just/) [Rue McClanahan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rue-mcclanahan/) > [I was different from most young conductors today.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kurt-masur/i-was-different-from-most-young-conductors-today/) [Kurt Masur](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kurt-masur/) [Browse all 33 Conductors quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conductors/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I think conductors do spend too little time with their orchestras.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Zubin Mehta" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zubin-mehta/i-think-conductors-do-spend-too-little-time-with-their-orchestras/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Conductors" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zubin-mehta/i-think-conductors-do-spend-too-little-time-with-their-orchestras/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/857/zubin-mehta-7563_conductors_i-think-conductors-do-spend-too-little-t_1571494.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/857/zubin-mehta-7563_conductors_i-think-conductors-do-spend-too-little-t_1571494.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/857/zubin-mehta-7563_conductors_i-think-conductors-do-spend-too-little-t_1571494.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“I think conductors do spend too little time with their orchestras.” — Zubin Mehta", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Zubin Mehta", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zubin-mehta/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "I think conductors do spend too...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zubin-mehta/i-think-conductors-do-spend-too-little-time-with-their-orchestras/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zubin-mehta/i-think-conductors-do-spend-too-little-time-with-their-orchestras/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```