literally ΓÇ£master, teacher, instructorΓÇ¥ (Plural ΓÇ£maestriΓÇ¥) - short for ΓÇ£Maestro di CappellaΓÇ¥. In the musical and, particularly, the operatic worlds, this is the internationally recognised form of address attached to conductors. When super politeness is called for, it is sometimes bestowed on directors as well, or, for example, on a senior singing teacher.
