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 […]
Your Brain on Music with Anita Collins
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. […]
Choir Students Should Sing Alone. For a Grade.
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 […]
Thinking in the Language of Music with Libby Larsen
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 […]
Craig Hella Johson, Ellie Johnson, David von Kampen and Babatunde HipHopera!
Subscribe for free and never miss out on the conversation. The show is on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or ANY podcast player! Last month might have been the best yet! Happy Labor Day! The month of August had five Fridays, so you got five episodes to get our school and choir years started! It is my […]
James Jordan, Jason Dungee, Kari Adams and Mak Barton
Choir is not my family, we aren’t adjusting choral curriculum sufficiently with the times, we don’t know how to get choirs to sing in tune and we don’t build “real” cultures in our classrooms. Geez! Is this a negative podcast?! Not. At. All. These four conversations do have an element of constructive criticism, but that […]