Latest Blog Posts

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 […]

“Initiative is doing the right thing without being told.” Victor Hugo ChoralNetter correspondents email me questions but seem to already know the answer. They know what is right and what is wrong, they just want to be given permission to do what is right. I’ve written about this before and today I’d like your input […]

The October 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! ____________ Burnout Tenacious Teachers: A Methodical Approach to Burnout […]

“I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.” Alexander the Great During the last month or so, I’ve gotten a few emails from ChoralNetters about something that can be defined as “Choral Cults.” I’ve written two blogs about […]

Hello choral colleagues! We’ve been “teasing” the release of our Advocacy and Collaboration focus issue in the Choral Journal all summer and are thrilled you now have them in your mailboxes (and online)! For this month’s blog post, we wanted to share a little about where the focus issue’s structure came from and a little […]

In episode 37, ChoralEd host Micah Bland recommends the use of a harmonic chord chart when sight-reading new performance repertoire.  The implementation of a harmonic chord chart serves two purposes.  First, pitch and rhythm are separated from each other allowing students to focus on one musical element at a time.  This feature can be advantageous […]

“Actually, you can only expect a fulfilling life if you dedicate yourself to finding out who you are.  To finding the ineffable, idiosyncratic seeds of possibility already planted inside.  There is some surrender required here.”  ~ Stephen Cope When I think about the times in my life when I felt the most engaged and focused […]

The August 2024 issue of Choral Journal is online and features an article titled “Building Collective Inspiration in a College Choir” by Jennifer Kelly. Following is a portion from the article’s introduction. _________________ Conductors strive to express meaningful music beyond the basic notes and rhythms on the printed page. As we honor the composer’s score while also recognizing the […]

I’ve written a great deal about starting a rehearsal, but it’s equally important to discuss how to end one effectively. The truth is, the way we end a rehearsal has a lasting impact on our students. It often influences how they remember the entire experience. While the opening of class sets the stage for a […]

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 […]