Crossword Genius

Where one conducts or turns up to play unskilfully (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rostrum

'where one conducts' is the definition.
(a rostrum is a raised stage a conductor might use)

'or turns up to play unskilfully' is the wordplay.
'turns up' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'to play unskilfully' becomes 'strum' (eg strumming a guitar).
'or' reversed gives 'ro'.
'ro'+'strum'='ROSTRUM'

(Other definitions for rostrum that I've seen before include "At which one may conduct" , "Platform for orchestra conductor" , "Conductor's dais" , "beak" , "Podium" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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