After The First Performance
The arc of most choirs’ experience with any piece is predictable.
Education
Posts discussing education, both in and outside of music
Difference Without Me
My goal is to develop an ensemble’s autonomy until there’s no difference when I’m not in front of them.
You’re Going To Do This Today
I read the room, and I said confidently, “You’re going to read and learn this entire piece today.”
“Keep The Classical”
Overheard recently: a traditional bel canto voice teacher offering critique to a crossover student singing a jazz standard.
Just Because Something is Easy
Just because something is easy doesn’t mean you’re not learning.
Learning Sounds Messy
Zip your lips and let ’em go.
Helping Students Balance Commitments
Learning to manage time and balance commitments can be difficult for high school and college students. It’s something I focus a fair bit of energy on, both with individual counseling and group conversations. Once in a while, the challenge is to empower students to manage their commitments when someone else […]
Composition Demos
I don’t play sequenced compositional demos for my students. Honestly, I don’t much listen to notation output for assessment purposes anymore. I’d rather audiate the score or hear it through my own fingers at the piano. I do appreciate it when composers send them to me – it’s a great […]
Self-Determination Theory: Join The Choir!
What is self-determination theory? It’s a framework for understanding motivation, specifically intrinsic motivation – that magical mindset that requires no carrots or sticks to compel hard work. Self-determination theory proposes three basic needs that inspire that intrinsic motivation: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. It’s my position that a well-designed choral program […]
Self-Determination: Relatedness
Self-determination is a psychological framework for human success and happiness. Today we’ll explore the third of three basic psychological needs required for self-determination and intrinsic motivation. Relatedness The will to interact with, be connected to, and experience caring for others. via Wikipedia Is there anyplace more focused on relatedness than […]