Latest Blog Posts

Tomorrow is tax day. For a this week’s Saturday Respite let’s let Abbot and Costello do some math for us.  (I got hammered by Uncle Sam this year – maybe I should hire these guys as my accountant!)  

       Choral music requires its own historical organization for two reasons: (a) many traditional terms, such as "Classic" and "Romantic," are confusing because choral music combines words (literature) and music; and (b) many historical divisions, especially after 1600, have been created to account for operatic, soloistic, or instrumental ensemble styles that are not obvious in […]

       Choir members must be given instructions as to what to do during the concert besides sing. "What if I make a mistake?" "What if I feel like I might faint?" "Do I applaud for a soloist ormy director at the end of the concert?" "What do I do when I see my mother in […]

       In comparing the adolescent female voice with the adolescent male voice, several characteristics become apparent.  After age ten, due to obvious physical changes in the vocal anatomy, there is a marked contrast in quality and color between the two voice types. Clarity of tone and brilliance in certain ranges seem effortless in the young […]

       With the influx of choral music from around the world, we choral directors have the opportunity and the challenge of incorporating a vast array of choral colors in our musical performances.  Choral directors with a basic knowledge of vocal pedagogy can work very effectively within the rehearsal to develop the vocal ability of all […]

       Simple tone singing is a frequent technique in the choral arts that can bring strikingly beautiful results.  Because it can tire the voice, a few technical instructions might be taught in the studio or choral rehearsal.        As in any kind of healthy singing, the inhalation must to be low and deep, with good […]

You’ve heard a lot about our frustrations with Music Publishing over the years.   It looks like CadenzaOne is trying to provide an answer.  J.D. Frizzell, creator of the company, gives an overview:   I have spent my life’s savings (plus some) to build a comprehensive, easy-to-use, web site for both independent composers AND publishers. […]

It looks like classical music – especially opera – helps us heal.  Especially heart transplants!   This just in from NewScientist: Classical music is good for the soul and maybe the heart too. Mice with heart transplants survived twice as long if they listened to classical music rather than pop music after their operation. Masateru […]