Sing, Coach, Conduct

Michigan music educators Aaron Hotelling and Jessica Tippett share their research on imposter syndrome as it relates to teaching.

In this episode, Eric Cadena—choir director in East Lansing, Michigan, and an avid leader in the MSVMA scene—talks about Stephen Covey's 7 habits of highly effective people.

Sarah Stockton, an experienced choir director and music leader in the Michigan, uses a change of career to offer invaluable online resources for music teachers. 

In this episode, host Megan Farison uses Tony Bennett's singing technique to dive into pedagogical strategies for singing the rest of our lives and teaching others to do the same.

Dance teacher, studio owner and competition coach Natalie Schweikert talks about her experiences with singing and dance.

In this episode, host Megan Farison interviews chemical engineer Steven Holty about how theater helped him find his people and himself.

Host Megan Farison speaks with Mackenzie Bufis and Patty Sampson about their organization The Elephant Alliance, which is aimed at preventing educator sexual misconduct.

Before John Jacobson became a surprise internet sensation for his “Double Dream Hands” YouTube video, he was already an internationally recognized music educator, performer, composer and choreographer. John believes teaching is a “higher calling”, and he’s dedicated his life to improving the lives of children, youth, and adults through music. In this episode, John talks about the story behind Doub...

This episode is part of a series that explores how the roles of choir director and vocal coach can be united to better serve the needs of individuals in a choral classroom setting. Host Megan Farison uses her experience as a choir director and private voice instructor to offer helpful suggestions for building stronger choirs using vocal pedagogy based strategies. Just like a sports team, the stron...

What do great teachers have in common? How can we have a lasting, positive impact on our students, colleagues and friends? Educational Arranger, Mac Huff, is a classically trained pianist who found his niche in arranging pop and broadway songs for choral ensembles, and he owes his success to the people who have been highly influential in his life, starting with his father, Mac Huff Sr., a famous b...

Emily Crocker's music has been performed all over the world for decades, and she continues to be a powerful force in the world of music creation and education. In the past thirty-five years, Emily has taught in the public school system, became Vice President of Choral Publications at Hal Leonard, and, in 1994, founded the the Milwaukee Children's Choir. Her newest resource for choral class...

How do we light a fire in the hearts and minds of our students? What are practical ways we can meet students where they are and help them to become successful? In this episode, Cristi Cary Miller shares the story of how she went from a middle-of-the-road clarinet player to a nationally recognized master teacher, conductor, composer and arranger. Cristi offers her energy, enthusiasm, and perspectiv...

In the words of Roger Emerson, "I will compose until I decompose." Roger is a prolific and world renowned composer and arranger whose work has spanned decades. His mother, a professional arranger for live radio in the 1930s and 1940s, brought Roger into a world of music that formed the basis for his eventual career path. Roger is not only a writer of music but a teacher, performer, present...

When Dexter Brigham was eight-years-old, he auditioned for the American Boychoir School in Princeton, New Jersey, which set him on a path to one day becoming a professional opera and musical theater performer. But just when everything seemed to be going right-landing national tours, starting a theater company, meeting the love of his life-he noticed strange occurrences with his hearing. He would l...

In this episode, I sit down with my high school choir director, Richard (Rick), and his brother, Rod, both of whom are retired from highly successful careers in secondary choral music education. Together, they share stories and advice for teachers at any age and any stage: recruitment, student leadership, literature, relationships, and they reflect on the decades of memories they've made shari...

Music educator and organization leader, Virginia (Ginny) Kerwin, has inspired people of all ages to experience music in a way that is personal and impactful. Ginny has been an elementary music teacher, secondary and university-level choir director, she served as the Executive Director of MSVMA (Michigan School of Vocal Music Association) for 20 years, and she is the Founding Director of Voca Lyric...

Molly Grace Young was born into a musical family, so music and performing have always been a part of her life. When she discovered she had cancer at the age of twenty-nine, Molly found a way to shine light into the darkness of despair and uncertainty by using her love of music, knack for comedy, and talent as a performer to make the world a less scary and more joy-filled place for everyone.

When soprano and philanthropist Katie Travis graduated from her undergrad program, she immediately moved to New York City to pursue her dreams of becoming a Broadway performer. Her ambition and determination (and willingness to take on interesting jobs) led her from one opportunity to the next, until she landed the role that dramatically changed her life. Years later, a traumatic vocal injury woul...

By the world's standards, Randy Gist has made it big in the music business. He is a professional composer, producer, saxophonist, sound designer, orchestrator, and DJ who has performed with celebrity artists like The Jonas Brothers, John Legend, Kesha, Aloe Blacc, and Jamie Foxx. Randy was featured on the FOX hit TV show "Glee" and "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno. His DJ-ing g...

How can we become a champion of social justice in the choral classroom, in our private studios...in our everyday lives? Seasoned Choir and Theater Director, Adam Gardner-Northrop, is passionate about creating a classroom culture of inclusion and diversity. How does Adam begin this process? By sharing his true, authentic self with students, friends, family, and community. This episode provides inva...

Which is more important, possessing natural talent or making a choice to pursue your dreams in the face of challenges and adversity? Dr. Brandon Johnson, Director of Choral Activities at Eastern Michigan University, shares the story of how persistence, perseverance, and “finding the right fit” have guided him as a musician and teacher throughout life. 

Sometimes, the most difficult seasons of life can inspire the greatest moments of growth and creativity. Artists know this better than anyone. We live to create, to find beauty in the world, and to give back to those who have helped us become the musicians and people we are today. The premier episode of Sing, Coach, Conduct is a behind-the-scenes look into the life of Host Megan Farison, her caree...