Choralosophy

Recently named one of the 100 most influential Africans, Ken Wakia joins me to share his story as a Kenyan Choral musician and founder of the successful Nairobi Chamber Chorus. In this episode I am honored to speak with Ken Wakia, a prominent choir director from Kenya. Ken shares his inspiring journey from a small … Continue reading "Episode 244: An Ambassador for African Choirs with Ken Wak...

A blind teacher’s take on Is “music” reading or “sight” reading important enough to provide resources to both blind and sighted students alike? One visually impaired music educator says yes! Re Robinson, a blind choir director from Florida, shares her unique journey in music education. She discusses her experiences as a choir student and now … Continue reading "...

Next up on the Vocal Pedagogy series!:Justin Peterson is a voice teacher with some very interesting and thought provoking things to say about how we teach voice, and some very useful ideas about instruction! Justin Petersen shares his journey as a singer and voice teacher, discussing the importance of rejecting labels in music, the misconceptions … Continue reading "Episode 242: Vocal Ped! D...

A collaboration episode! Chops podcast has been making a splash in the Band world, so we decided to team up to create this “comparing of notes” on teaching choir vs. band. Available on both podcasts! In this engaging conversation between Chris of the Choralosophy Podcast and Jack Hinkle of Chops Podcast, the two veteran educators … Continue reading "Episode 241: Instrumental and...

Grooming isn’t always obvious. It’s a gradual process that can occur in many forms. Educators have a special responsibility to keep our spaces safe. Power imbalances in schools can create dangerous situations, and veteran music teacher and voice coach Megan Farison knows this firsthand. In this episode, she shares her deeply personal journey through the … Continue reading "Episode 240: First...

Recently selected President-Elect of the American Choral Directors Dr. Jessica Nápoles joins me to talk imposter syndrome, leadership and her ACDA passion. Balancing a passion for music with the demands of higher education isn’t easy, but Jessica has found a way to do just that. In this episode, we explore her unique career path that … Continue reading "Episode 239: Shaping the Future Throug...

Recently, Apollo5 was touring through the US, and stopped not too far from me. So I grabbed my road kit and drove to St. Louis to speak with them, observe some rehearsal and hear their concert. Small ensemble, or consort singing, is in many ways a completely different art form than “traditional choral singing.” And … Continue reading "Episode 238: The Art of the Consort with Apol...

I grew up as a conductor in a world where conductors were measured by their ears. We were kind of obsessed with it. And maybe for good reason. In addition to perception, what other tools do great conductors have? Conductors today are judged by many criteria in many different contexts. But in the rehearsal room, … Continue reading "Episode 237: The Must Haves in Your Conducting Tool Box with...

A common theme on this show is “teaching the WHOLE language of music.” So, I was pleased to link up with Cindy to hear how important dictation is in her pedagogy. A crucial and often missing element of common teaching practice. 🎙️ What does it take to build a thriving choir program—and a lifelong passion … Continue reading "Episode 236: Unlocking Student Musicianship with Dictati...

I often see “technique” and “expression” discussed as opposite sides of the coin. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The technique UNLOCKS the expressive capacity. Don’s past appearances on tuning systems and pitch matching have been very popular with colleagues. Links below. 🎙️ Many singers and conductors focus on interpretation and expression, but withou...

The Symphony and its Chorus provides us with a rich history, Canon, and tradition. It also provides us a powerful medium for living composers, and aspiring musicians. I’m excited to share this conversation featuring the extraordinary Anthony Blake Clark—of the Dallas Symphony Chorus and Baltimore Choral Arts, who wants us to consider the Symphony Chorus … Continue reading "Episode 234: Advoc...

Music has long been celebrated as a universal language, capable of moving hearts, bridging divides, and bringing people together. But what exactly is ‘The Power of Music’? Is it in the melody, the rhythm, or something deeper? In this episode of Choralosophy, we’re diving into a fascinating concept with Dr. Ryan Luhrs: that the true … Continue reading "Episode 233: A Natural Labor...

The US is a cultural exporter, and often times, we don’t do a great job of importing. I find it fascinating and valuable, as an American, to seek out stories from around the world. As a American choir director, it is easy to assume that the way choral music functions in our culture is “normal.” … Continue reading "Episode 232: Choral Music in Chile with Javiera Lara Salvado...

There is a paradox between performance and pedagogy. Are we teaching our ensembles to perform? Or are we teaching them skills that LEAD them to become performers? Is it time for a paradigm shift? This week, I am thrilled to bring you a fascinating conversation with Dr. Andrew Schmidt, an accomplished music educator and researcher. … Continue reading "Episode 231: It’s Process AND Produ...

Enneagram study has been used to heal families, relationships, work places and more. It is also used by individuals seeking to simply have a better relationship with themselves. In this episode, we explore the possible uses of this system for understanding human motivation in ensembles, classrooms and even in music making. In this episode, I’m … Continue reading "Episode 230: Enneagram in En...

2024 comes to a close this week! What a ride its been. This episode features highlights of YOUR favorite episodes of the year, as well as a preview of a new Choralosophy Community blog advocating for a possibly new way of viewing “Merit” and “Rigor” in music education. The top episode of the year was … Continue reading "Episode 229: 2024 Year in Review. HIGHLIGHTS!"

Fads like “learning styles,” “restorative justice,” “inquiry based learning” and more, versus Cognitive Load Theory, Explicit Instruction etc. Marcie Samayoa’s experience as an ESL/immigrant student has shaped her view on teaching at risk American kids. in this episode, I’m joined by Marcie Samayoa—a dedicated chemistry teacher and passionate advocate for...

The “Classical” or Concert Music tradition has traditionally relied on a nobility or an institution for funding. This is a challenge in our modern world that has seen such a massive boom of popular and commercial genres, that reject this model. Where does that leave us today? I sit down with Samuel Andreyev—a brilliant composer, … Continue reading "Episode 227: The Age of Fine Ar...

One of the core functions of a choir director or vocal music educator is to teach people to love and understand their voice. This episode is the latest addition to the Choralosophy Vocal Pedagogy Suite. Voice teacher David Jones joins me this week to discuss some tips, approaches and even some exercises and language to … Continue reading "Episode 226: Breaking Down Vocal Ped with David Jones...

Nothing we do as choral singers, directors teachers, music appreciators and consumers would be possible without the “garden” that grows our young musicians in elementary school. Music as a language grows best in the early years. Let’s water the garden. This week, Elementary general music and choir director, Chy Billings from Olathe, KS joins me … Continue reading "Episode 2...

We have had an influx of new listeners, subscribers and Curious George’s to the show over the last week. Welcome! This program began in February of 2019, and contains some mission and values episodes from early on, but boy howdy has it grown and changed since then. In this short episode, I will take listeners … Continue reading "Episode 224: What the Heck Even is this Show?"

I plan to keep it is short as possible. Presenting what I see as three categories of this controversy ranging from legit criticisms I need to seriously consider, to misunderstandings to things that just aren’t true. This weekend an argument or debate of sorts erupted on a post of mine on my personal FB page. … Continue reading "Addressing Concerns From Equity Sings about Choralosophy"

The quest to advocate for music education as integral to all stages of human life, continues on Choralosophy. I am excited to welcome Dr. Peju Simoyan, an addiction medicine physician with a fascinating musical journey. Growing up in a Nigerian diplomatic family, Dr. Simoyan has always held a passion for music, even with limited formal … Continue reading "Episode 223: Music As Healthcare wit...

“Filling in the Gaps,” simply refers to a premise I believe we should consider: 1. No Theory gets it all right. 2. All good theories get SOMETHING right. 3. We should be focused on filling in the gaps in Music Education Are you an Gordon MLT devotée? A Kodály-guy? A Tonic Solfa Curwenator? How about … Continue reading "Episode 222: Why Your Favorite Music Ed Theory May Be Wrong"

The music of South Africa is not unlike its people. It is built on layers. Layers of complexity, all rich with meaning, and difficult to understand from the outside. Michael Barrett loves his country and its music. His work proves it. I have long been a fan of Michael Barrett, as well as an admirer … Continue reading "Episode 221: Authentically South African with Michael Barrett"