Abstract
This essay presents a brief discussion of the evolution of conducting as an art from late Middle Ages to the present time. A short biographical sketch of Carlos Chavez is also included. The body of the essay examines the conducting curriculum set forth in Chavez's treatise, "Iniciacion a la Direccion de Orquesta," and compares his ideas with those of other conductors and contemporary educators in this art. A complete translation of Chavez's treatise (by this author) is included in the appendix.