If someone asked me what the most important task and consistent challenge for my work as a music conductor is, I would say "listening" during each rehearsal and performance.  There are many things to learn and equip myself with to be a better music director, such as working hard on copies of music, developing communication skills, and finding more and more repertories of fine music.  But, if there's one most important fact, which distinguishes ordinary music directors from excellent ones, it'...