Latest Blog Posts

“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 […]

Between the Staves: Choral Questions, Candid Answers, is fresh take on the classic advice column—this time for all things choral music! Modeled after the beloved “Dear Sally” format, this blog will answer your questions about choral music education, performance, and leadership. Whether you’re curious about vocal technique, rehearsal tips, repertoire selection, or the “other” side […]

“The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.” Socrates Finn* had heard about Dr. Marcus* for years. He taught at the local community college, had the best (and biggest) church position in town and conducted the premier community chorus in the region. Finn taught elementary school […]

“There is a harmony in autumn, and a luster in its sky, which through the summer is not heard or seen, as if it could not be, as if it had not been!” Percy Bysshe Shelley I love autumn. The golden slant of the sunshine, the rich, beautiful colors of the trees, the crisp and […]

In episode 47 of ChoralEd, Indian-American composer and vocalist Shruthi Rajasekar shares her expertise on performing choral music from Indian musical traditions. Rajasekar strongly emphasizes that embarking on the journey of performing music from another culture begins with thorough research. It’s not merely about reading; it’s about connecting with the culture. The most impactful approach, […]

“As a child I loved ghost stories.” Rebecca Hall During the remainder of October, we’re revisiting some of the staple issues of Choral Ethics. I’ve written a BUNCH about each which remain at the center of Choral Ethics. Today’s Choral Ethics dilemma is perfect for a late October day. Jacob* contacted me with what he […]

“You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say.” Martin Luther During the remainder of October, we’re revisiting some of the staple issues of Choral Ethics. I’ve written a BUNCH about each of these subjects which remain at the center of Choral Ethics. Today we speak of […]

Between the Staves: Choral Questions, Candid Answers, is fresh take on the classic advice column—this time for all things choral music! Modeled after the beloved “Dear Sally” format, this blog will answer your questions about choral music education, performance, and leadership. Whether you’re curious about vocal technique, rehearsal tips, repertoire selection, or the “other” side […]

“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” Ralph Waldo Emerson During the remainder of October, we’re revisiting some of the staple issues of Choral Ethics. I’ve written a BUNCH about each of these subjects and they remain at the center of Choral Ethics. Today […]

“Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances.” Thomas Jefferson How do you handle pressure? Do you get flustered or angry or numb? Do you become unhappy with everything (and everyone) around you, no matter if it’s what you asked for in the first […]