Latest Blog Posts
A Practical Guide to Teaching Handel’s Messiah
The October 2023 issue of Choral Journal is online and features an article titled “Choral Pedagogical Tools and Vocal Exercises: A Practical Guide to Teaching Handel’s Messiah” by Zerrin Agabigum Martin. Following is a portion from the article. _________________ Within the choral canon, Handel’s Messiah is one of the most frequently performed works by non-professional choral ensembles. While […]
Choral Ethics: A State of Grace
“The best effort of a fine person is felt after we have left their presence.” Ralph Waldo Emerson The term “choral ethics” has always confused me. Do we as choral conductors and directors have ethics? Do we need ethics? The Presbyterian Association of Musicians, as do other denominations musicians’ organizations, has a code of ethics. […]
ChoralEd: Creative Approaches to Moveable “Do” Sight-Reading
In episode 25 of ChoralEd, Dr. Nathan Dame shares creative approaches to moveable-do sight-reading. When implementing moveable-do in the classroom, Dr. Dame encourages a sequential instructional approach that develops musicianship skills. For the beginning choir, this instructional sequence includes: Step 1: Count Rhythms Step 2: Figure out starting solfège based on the key signature Step […]
The Conductor as Yogi: Intention
“Our intention creates our reality.” Wayne Dyer We sit or get grounded in a comfortable position. We begin to breathe. We acknowledge our busy minds, without judging or criticizing, and let the breath do its magic. Creating space for good with the inhale, letting go of what we no longer need with the exhale. A […]
October Choral Journal Preview
The October 2023 issue of Choral Journal is available online. ACDA members can log in with their username and password to view and download the newest edition. You can also read our electronic version. If you are not already a member of ACDA, join today to start receiving your monthly Choral Journal! _ _ _ _ _ _ IN THIS […]
Should Choir Members Be Forced To Sing Solo?
When it comes to choir members singing by themselves, there are generally two schools of thought: 1. Singers in a choir should never be forced to sing by themselves. 2. All singers need to be graded individually for how they perform because choir is a skills-based class. My approach differs from the two. HERE IS […]
Teaching Skills, Not Facts with Melanie Trecek-King
This week, I am excited to have Melanie Trecek-King as our guest. Melanie is a science educator who specializes in teaching science to non-science majors. In addition to her expertise in the field of science, Melanie is passionate about helping individuals improve their thought processes and metacognition. She is making major waves online with her […]
Choral Ethics: Kindness in the Choir Room
“I have learned silence from the talkative, toleration from the intolerant, and kindness from the unkind; yet, strange, I am ungrateful to those teachers.” Khalil Gibran Why Kindness? Why write about kindness in the music profession? Is it really necessary to be kind? In order to be kind in all things, we must have been […]
Remixing the Algorithm: TikTok for Choirs
ChorTeach is ACDA’s quarterly online publication, designed for those who work with singers of all levels but specifically K-12 and community choirs. A full annotated ChorTeach index is available online at acda.org/publications/chorteach. Over 160 articles are organized into seventeen categories. For more information, email or visit acda.org/chorteach. Following is an excerpt from an article in the Summer 2023 issue […]
The 6 Choir ROUNDS I Use Every Year – and WHY!
I use the same 6 rounds every year. These rounds teach technical skills, develop confidence in my singers, create community, and even offer tradition to our community. This blog post will share WHY each round is important and also, HOW I choose to teach them. HERE IS MY BLOG POST: The 6 Choir ROUNDS I […]