In his article, “It’s Not All About Me!” (Texas Sings!, Vol. 27, No. 2), Jeff Rice states, “although we should not abdicate the teacher’s role in the choral classroom, it is good and constructive to allow students to make some of the decisions that determine the outcome of instruction.”
“In my opinion, there are few activities more learner-centered than skilled, refined choral singing. The singer-student is creating music through a complex series of mental, physical, and spiritual processes that result in accurate, healthy, expressive singing. This requires continual evaluation as the singer moves from note to note and word to word while constantly fine tuning what he or she is hearing. In my appraiser’s opinion, as long as the teacher is directing the instruction, it is not the highest level of learner-centered education. I have come to realize that both of us are correct and that there must be a balance between the two viewpoints.”
Jeff outlines a lesson plan template based on The Five E’s: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate.
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Jack Senzig says