A diverse opinion base is one of the blessings of a free society. And yet, in the choral rehearsal, too often we seek to align all opinions to a single reference point. That opinion, of course, is the right one…i.e., the conductor’s opinion.
Independent thought, though, is needed if we want to be – and raise – functional adults. That’s just one more reason to love guided listening with spirited discussion.
Every year, I do a guided listening of a single classic holiday song, in many different interpretations. By this time in our year, it’s my hope that my students are comfortable enough with each other to express their opinions, and hold them even if someone across the room disagrees.
It’s a beautiful sight to see students (a) hold opinions, (b) respect other opinions, and (c) be willing to express them out loud.
Find ways to offer this opportunity to agree and disagree in rehearsal. Your music-making will be stronger because you’ve created and environment where your students can have musical opinions.