Choralosophy

For those of us who have been in the classroom since 2019, we KNOW things of changed. Programs are shrinking and kids are coming to us with lost years of experience and the skills that go with it. So, what do we do about it? Welcome to the return after almost a whole year of … Continue reading "Episode 250: Accessible IS Beautiful with Edryn J. Coleman"

How do we decide what is and what isn’t a “Great work of choral repertoire?” Dennis Shrock says, “Time.” Let a few hundred years pass and see if people still perform that music. This show is proud to collaborate with authors and composers from GIA/Walton and Oxford Press. Dennis has many titles available on both! … Continue reading "Episode 249: The 10,000 Foot View of Choral Repertoire with Dennis Shrock"

Kids learn at a young age how to show teachers that they are learning. Even if they aren’t… And with many kids, ESPECIALLY when they are not. The long awaited return of “Car Thoughts” Short episodes designed to get you thinking about your educational practice. In this episode, I would also submit this as food … Continue reading "Car Thoughts: Evidence of Engagement is Not Evidence of Learning"

Is there value to teaching the “science of singing” to young kids? I say yes. The goal is not to over-intellectualize the voice. It is to demystify it for young singers. Part of the Vocal Pedagogy Series Have you ever asked kids “what is a vowel made of?” Try it! See what answers they give … Continue reading "Episode 248: What is a Vowel Made Of?"

“If they cannot pick up a piece of music at the end of the year (at whatever level) and do it themselves, I would question what we had been doing in my classroom.” One of our most popular guests in the show’s six year run is BACK. (Part of the Music Literacy Series) Carol Krueger … Continue reading "Episode 247: Solving Music Education’s Literacy Crisis with Carol Krueger"

Choirs across the Western world are making huge strides as we push for more diverse repertoire as well as approaches to vocalization and instruction. Reagan Paras urges us to include the Philippines as a rich resource. In this conversation, Reagan Paras shares his unique perspective on Filipino choral music and its cultural significance. He discusses … Continue reading "Episode 246: Don’t Sleep on Filipino Choral Music with Reagan Paras"

Zoie Lee is making a name for herself as a Musical Theater performer, and triple-threat. While on break from the National Tour of Chicago, she stopped back in to her old choir room to talk to me about the role music education had in shaping her career. This conversation explores the journey of a performer … Continue reading "Episode 245: Want to Make it on Stage? Take Choir! With Zoie Lee"

Recently named one of the 100 most influential Africans, Ken Wakia joins me to share his story as a Kenyan Choral musician and founder of the successful Nairobi Chamber Chorus. In this episode I am honored to speak with Ken Wakia, a prominent choir director from Kenya. Ken shares his inspiring journey from a small … Continue reading "Episode 244: An Ambassador for African Choirs with Ken Wakia"

A blind teacher’s take on Is “music” reading or “sight” reading important enough to provide resources to both blind and sighted students alike? One visually impaired music educator says yes! Re Robinson, a blind choir director from Florida, shares her unique journey in music education. She discusses her experiences as a choir student and now … Continue reading "Episode 243: Seeing With Sound with Re Robinson"

Next up on the Vocal Pedagogy series!:Justin Peterson is a voice teacher with some very interesting and thought provoking things to say about how we teach voice, and some very useful ideas about instruction! Justin Petersen shares his journey as a singer and voice teacher, discussing the importance of rejecting labels in music, the misconceptions … Continue reading "Episode 242: Vocal Ped! Don’t Blame Classical Music with Justin Petersen"

A collaboration episode! Chops podcast has been making a splash in the Band world, so we decided to team up to create this “comparing of notes” on teaching choir vs. band. Available on both podcasts! In this engaging conversation between Chris of the Choralosophy Podcast and Jack Hinkle of Chops Podcast, the two veteran educators … Continue reading "Episode 241: Instrumental and Vocal Music United! With John Hinkle and Chops Podcast"

Grooming isn't always obvious. It's a gradual process that can occur in many forms. Educators have a special responsibility to keep our spaces safe. Power imbalances in schools can create dangerous situations, and veteran music teacher and voice coach Megan Farison knows this firsthand. In this episode, she shares her deeply personal journey through the … Continue reading "Episode 240: First, Do No Harm with Megan Farison"

Recently selected President-Elect of the American Choral Directors Dr. Jessica Nápoles joins me to talk imposter syndrome, leadership and her ACDA passion. Balancing a passion for music with the demands of higher education isn't easy, but Jessica has found a way to do just that. In this episode, we explore her unique career path that … Continue reading "Episode 239: Shaping the Future Through Leadership with Jessica Nápoles"

Recently, Apollo5 was touring through the US, and stopped not too far from me. So I grabbed my road kit and drove to St. Louis to speak with them, observe some rehearsal and hear their concert. Small ensemble, or consort singing, is in many ways a completely different art form than “traditional choral singing.” And … Continue reading "Episode 238: The Art of the Consort with Apollo5"

I grew up as a conductor in a world where conductors were measured by their ears. We were kind of obsessed with it. And maybe for good reason. In addition to perception, what other tools do great conductors have? Conductors today are judged by many criteria in many different contexts. But in the rehearsal room, … Continue reading "Episode 237: The Must Haves in Your Conducting Tool Box with Richard Sparks"

A common theme on this show is “teaching the WHOLE language of music.” So, I was pleased to link up with Cindy to hear how important dictation is in her pedagogy. A crucial and often missing element of common teaching practice.

I often see “technique” and “expression” discussed as opposite sides of the coin. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The technique UNLOCKS the expressive capacity. Don’s past appearances on tuning systems and pitch matching have been very popular with colleagues. Links below.

The Symphony and its Chorus provides us with a rich history, Canon, and tradition. It also provides us a powerful medium for living composers, and aspiring musicians. I'm excited to share this conversation featuring the extraordinary Anthony Blake Clark—of the Dallas Symphony Chorus and Baltimore Choral Arts, who wants us to consider the Symphony Chorus … Continue reading "Episode 234: Advocating for the Symphony Chorus with Anthony Blake Clark"

Music has long been celebrated as a universal language, capable of moving hearts, bridging divides, and bringing people together. But what exactly is ‘The Power of Music’? Is it in the melody, the rhythm, or something deeper? In this episode of Choralosophy, we're diving into a fascinating concept with Dr. Ryan Luhrs: that the true … Continue reading "Episode 233: A Natural Laboratory for Reconciliation with Ryan Luhrs"

The US is a cultural exporter, and often times, we don’t do a great job of importing. I find it fascinating and valuable, as an American, to seek out stories from around the world. As a American choir director, it is easy to assume that the way choral music functions in our culture is “normal.” … Continue reading "Episode 232: Choral Music in Chile with Javiera Lara Salvador"

There is a paradox between performance and pedagogy. Are we teaching our ensembles to perform? Or are we teaching them skills that LEAD them to become performers? Is it time for a paradigm shift? This week, I am thrilled to bring you a fascinating conversation with Dr. Andrew Schmidt, an accomplished music educator and researcher. … Continue reading "Episode 231: It’s Process AND Product with Andrew Schmidt"

Enneagram study has been used to heal families, relationships, work places and more. It is also used by individuals seeking to simply have a better relationship with themselves. In this episode, we explore the possible uses of this system for understanding human motivation in ensembles, classrooms and even in music making. In this episode, I'm … Continue reading "Episode 230: Enneagram in Ensembles, Classrooms, Music and Life with Sarah McMahill"

2024 comes to a close this week! What a ride its been. This episode features highlights of YOUR favorite episodes of the year, as well as a preview of a new Choralosophy Community blog advocating for a possibly new way of viewing “Merit” and “Rigor” in music education. The top episode of the year was … Continue reading "Episode 229: 2024 Year in Review. HIGHLIGHTS!"

Fads like “learning styles,” “restorative justice,” “inquiry based learning” and more, versus Cognitive Load Theory, Explicit Instruction etc. Marcie Samayoa’s experience as an ESL/immigrant student has shaped her view on teaching at risk American kids. in this episode, I'm joined by Marcie Samayoa—a dedicated chemistry teacher and passionate advocate for evidence-based education. We tackle some … Continue reading "Episode 228: Skip the Education Fads and Stick With What Works with Marcie Samayoa"

The “Classical” or Concert Music tradition has traditionally relied on a nobility or an institution for funding. This is a challenge in our modern world that has seen such a massive boom of popular and commercial genres, that reject this model. Where does that leave us today? I sit down with Samuel Andreyev—a brilliant composer, … Continue reading "Episode 227: The Age of Fine Arts Icons is Over with Samuel Andreyev"

One of the core functions of a choir director or vocal music educator is to teach people to love and understand their voice. This episode is the latest addition to the Choralosophy Vocal Pedagogy Suite. Voice teacher David Jones joins me this week to discuss some tips, approaches and even some exercises and language to … Continue reading "Episode 226: Breaking Down Vocal Ped with David Jones"

Nothing we do as choral singers, directors teachers, music appreciators and consumers would be possible without the “garden” that grows our young musicians in elementary school. Music as a language grows best in the early years. Let’s water the garden. This week, Elementary general music and choir director, Chy Billings from Olathe, KS joins me … Continue reading "Episode 225: Growing Young Musicians in Elementary Music with Chy Billings"

We have had an influx of new listeners, subscribers and Curious George’s to the show over the last week. Welcome! This program began in February of 2019, and contains some mission and values episodes from early on, but boy howdy has it grown and changed since then. In this short episode, I will take listeners … Continue reading "Episode 224: What the Heck Even is this Show?"

I plan to keep it is short as possible. Presenting what I see as three categories of this controversy ranging from legit criticisms I need to seriously consider, to misunderstandings to things that just aren't true. This weekend an argument or debate of sorts erupted on a post of mine on my personal FB page. … Continue reading "Addressing Concerns From Equity Sings about Choralosophy"

The quest to advocate for music education as integral to all stages of human life, continues on Choralosophy. I am excited to welcome Dr. Peju Simoyan, an addiction medicine physician with a fascinating musical journey. Growing up in a Nigerian diplomatic family, Dr. Simoyan has always held a passion for music, even with limited formal … Continue reading "Episode 223: Music As Healthcare with Dr. Olapeju Simoyan"

“Filling in the Gaps,” simply refers to a premise I believe we should consider: 1. No Theory gets it all right. 2. All good theories get SOMETHING right. 3. We should be focused on filling in the gaps in Music Education Are you an Gordon MLT devotée? A Kodály-guy? A Tonic Solfa Curwenator? How about … Continue reading "Episode 222: Why Your Favorite Music Ed Theory May Be Wrong"

The music of South Africa is not unlike its people. It is built on layers. Layers of complexity, all rich with meaning, and difficult to understand from the outside. Michael Barrett loves his country and its music. His work proves it. I have long been a fan of Michael Barrett, as well as an admirer … Continue reading "Episode 221: Authentically South African with Michael Barrett"

One of my go to TED animations to play for students at the beginning of every year is the one that explains compellingly, the story of music as the best FULL BRAIN workout. But, Choral/Vocal education is not included in that research! The researcher behind that video, is this week’s guest. Don’t miss it. Dr. … Continue reading "Episode 220: This is Your Brain on Music with Anita Collins"

It is my strong belief that students have a RIGHT to receive individual instruction, feedback and assessment based on individual work in every class they take in school. Even music. This past weekend I had the chance to visit with the amazing students of Magnolia High School as well as the local chapter of the … Continue reading "Episode 219: Individual Literacy Assessment"

“Does the world say that you don’t look the right way? Does the world say a that you’re just not enough.” Text written by this week’s guest Kyle Pederson. One of the most powerful tools educators have is the connection of our content to the personal experiences of students. Composer Kyle Pederson is a big … Continue reading "Episode 218: The Heart of the Matter with Kyle Pederson"

This episode pulls wisdom from Betsy Cooke Weber, on building a culture of leadership, ownership and professionalism in our classrooms and ensembles. This loaded “how to” session comes from her appearance back in episode 45 with updated thoughts from my on how these ideas are working in my classroom. “If I were to return to … Continue reading "Episode 217: Building Collaborative Learning Environments"

I have published many peeks into my classroom before on the show. I have never shown you our opening class minutes before. This is where the real work happens. The “warm-up.” Or, as I would rather call it, “voice building time.” In this episode, you will have a front row seat (video version recommended on … Continue reading "Episode 216: What is a Choir “Warm-up” Anyway with the LSHS Choirs"

When I work with emerging composers trying to get noticed, I ask them “What are you trying to be noticed FOR?”- Libby Larsen. Could the social media environment incentivize non-musical answers to this question? In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with the remarkable composer Libby Larsen about her journey into the world … Continue reading "Episode 215: Thinking in the Language of Music with Libby Larsen"

For those who sing Black Sacred music, “it is The Academy of the Black Church that taught us.”-Emorja Roberson. To see if you are a convincing performer of this art form, go to a Black Church and sing it. See how they receive you. In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with … Continue reading "Episode 214: Church to School- Gospel in Academia with Dr. Emorja Roberson"

It’s Labor Day weekend. We are almost all back to school. This is the time that makes or breaks your whole school year. This summer I got a booth at the Missouri Choral Directors conference and pulled colleagues in to share their thoughts. I sat down at the booth, and invited passersby to join me … Continue reading "Episode 213: A Back to School Focus From the Convention Floor"

The “Choral Music Canon” is one of the many concepts that I believe can only be grappled with if we are able to hold two conflicting truths in mind. It is crucial for us to hold great art in high esteem, while recognizing that we won’t all agree on what makes the list. Renowned American … Continue reading "Episode 212: Wrestling With Tradition with Craig Hella Johnson"

Having some very weird tech issues today. Shownotes from normal post Known online as Babatunde “Hip Hopera,” this week’s guest may look like he is just out there having fun on TikTok. But, a closer look shows an artist doing innovative, and incredibly important work bridging the gaps between musical worlds. From West Coast hip-hop fan to … Continue reading "Episode 211: Smashing Cultural Barriers in Classical Music with Babatunde Akinboboye-Audio Only"

Known online as Babatunde “Hip Hopera,” this week’s guest may look like he is just out there having fun on TikTok. But, a closer look shows an artist doing innovative, and incredibly important work bridging the gaps between musical worlds. From West Coast hip-hop fan to opera singer, this week’s guest Babtunde Akinboboye‘s journey is … Continue reading "Episode 211: Smashing Cultural Barriers in Classical Music with Babatunde Akinboboye"

Should vocal jazz join other forms of ensemble singing in the “mainstream” of music education? Or does best fit within a niche? In our second episode of the brand new “GIA/Walton” series, I am excited to bring you another fascinating and useful conversation. This time, with composer and vocal jazz advocate, David von Kampen. In … Continue reading "Episode 210: Jazz and Theory in the Choral Classroom with David von Kampen"

I find that too often, as practicing teachers we either ignore new research all together, or we read the boiler plate summary, take it as gospel and move on without examining it critically. Ellie Johnson tries to help us thread the needle. Ellie is a PhD Music Education candidate and researcher, and the host of … Continue reading "Episode 209: Research vs. Reality with Ellie Johnson"

Often in choral instruction, we utilize the word “family” to describe the cohesiveness of our ensembles. But what about the students who don’t view choir as their family? Can we be ok with the idea that singers come to us for many different reasons? But what happens when students DON'T want to be in the … Continue reading "Episode 208: Choir is Not my Family, Do I Still Belong? With Dr. Jason Dungee"

I frequently engage in and read discussions with young music educators about the ways in which the music education profession is or is not “adapting with the times.” As always, the answer to that is yes. And no… Mak Barton is a second year teacher in Maryland who I found on her wildly entertaining TikTok … Continue reading "Episode 207: Next Gen Music Education with Mak Barton"

As teachers, we often try to build culture and foster a sense of belonging by seeking out the “right checklist” of games, ice breakers, fun warm-ups, and even classroom wall art. However, these are just the frosting, not the cake. In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Kari Adams from the University of Missouri … Continue reading "Episode 206: Building Enduring Classroom Culture with Dr. Kari Adams"

“If you don't learn what listening is, your choirs will never sing in tune.” James Jordan is one of the most prolific choral conductors in the modern era. Not just in terms of performance and recordings, but also in scholarship and pedagogy. Introducing, the NEW GIA/Walton Series on Choralosophy! I recently had the privilege of … Continue reading "Episode 205: Teaching Our Choirs to Listen with James Jordan"

Recently, we offered a free virtual meetup to practice “Choir Nerdery.” If you missed it, I have carefully curated some of the most useful and interesting moments for this episode. Discussion topics were derived from survey responses from 120 educators. The full 2 hour and 15 minute work session is available unedited over at Patreon … Continue reading "Episode 204: Literacy Live Hive Mind (Highlights with the Community)"

“It is not my job to answer the questions. It’s my job to ask the questions.” Programming for our choirs carries with it a wide range of challenges, from the skill levels of our groups, and their needs to the considerations of speaking to an audience. There are many ways to wrestle with this balance. … Continue reading "Episode 203: Programming as Storytelling with Donald Nally"