Latest Blog Posts

We all know SIGHT-SINGING is important, right? So which online sight-singing program is better: Sight Reading Factory or Smart Music? I use them both!   Besides sharing strengths and weaknesses of each program, I’m going to share EXACTLY how I use each program with my students! Here is: Sight Reading Factory vs  Smart Music? I NEED BOTH!

In this episode, I have the privilege of chatting with Charles Anthony Silvestri, noted lyricist, about the artistic magic that is possible when music and text are fused. He believes that this intersection is what makes our beloved art form special, and I whole heartedly agree. I pick his brain about his process from idea […]

“Comfortable shoes and the freedom to leave are the two most important things in life.” Shel Silverstein How many times have you felt you weren’t important enough? Or put another way, how many times has someone made you feel unimportant? Donald* conducts a symphony chorus in a mid-sized city. It’s a nice job; he prepares […]

The newest issue of Choral Journal is available online. Following is a list of the articles you will find in this issue. ACDA members can log in with their username and password to view and download the newest edition. You can also read our electronic version. Below is a preview of the articles you will find in this […]

#56: Friday, November 1, 2019
“Imagination” by Colin Britt
Text by Phillis Wheatley
SSAA, violin, piano

by Guest Contributor Dr. Brandon Williams

“Perhaps there is only one cardinal sin: impatience. Because of impatience we were driven out of Paradise, because of impatience we cannot return.” W. H. Auden Today is Halloween and I’d like to share a scary story with you. As you read it through, think about being in a similar situation and what YOU would […]

Choir Halloween is here! Do you have a plan? No need to be scaaaaaaared. We have some booooooooootiful last minute ideas that will make it look like you had planned their Halloween rehearsal for weeks!   Here is: Choir Halloween – Very Last MinuteRehearsal Ideas! Check out the Trick or Treat Round, on sale for just .85 a copy! This round […]

In May, August, and September 2015, the Choral Journal featured a three-part article series titled “Notes for Success: Advice for the First-Year Choral Teacher.” As part of the series, 11 choral conductors with teaching experience ranging from 4 to 34 years answered 10 questions related to setting expectations for your first year, classroom management, balancing a successful […]

Is choir a real class? Can the group goals be balanced with the individual academic accountability that we owe to our students? I think the answer to all of this is yes. You can grade your students INDIVIDUALLY in sight singing to ensure that no one falls through the cracks, and stick to a rehearsal […]

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.” Henry Ford A few weeks ago, I ran into a young friend and colleague in the grocery store. Both of us were pressed for time but wanted […]