Current controversies aside, Marin Alsop’s journey to the directorship of the Baltimore Symphony began decades ago, and didn’t come about because she was looking to be a pioneer. She just wanted to conduct, and saw no reason why, in the 20th century, a woman shouldn’t be able to do that. But regardless of gender, it’s extremely hard to become a professional conductor – after all, you have no instrument to practice on, unless you can convince a group of 6 dozen or so friends to let you practice on them. Further, being an American is arguably a bigger impediment to success than being female. Alsop’s ascension to the top conducting ranks may be instructive not only for women, but for all young musicians looking to wave the baton themselves someday.