Over the course of more than forty years, I have been the head of three orchestras in the United States. Being a music director is very different from just coming in for a week or two and leading programs as a guest.

The art of running a musical organization has changed dramatically over the last half-century. In the past, the music director was an autocrat, given to outbursts and tantrums that were considered part of the job. In this chapter, I discuss how things are today, with the musicians themselves taking on more responsibility for decision-making.

Aside from wondering what we do, what do you think the role of the music director in our times should be?