Choralosophy

Mar 07 2025 297 ep. 50 mins 62

Choralosophy Podcast artwork

This page is dedicated to driving a conversation for choral musicians with the PHILOSOPHY of Choral Music at the heart of every post and podcast episode. Topics will be wide ranging from the technical aspects of our jobs and careers all the way to the artistic interpretations and values that make us who we are as artists. Join me in this conversation in which I hope we can learn from each other.

Arts Education Music

Copy RSS

Subscribe on Podcast Addict

Episode 239: Shaping the Future Through Leadership with Jessica Nápoles

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 th

Episode 238: The Art of the Consort with Apollo5

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

Episode 237: The Must Haves in Your Conducting Tool Box with Richard Sparks

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 To

Episode 236: Unlocking Student Musicianship with Dictation with Cindy Ellis

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 w

Episode 235: The Technique of Expressive Singing with Donald Brinegar

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 without �

Episode 234: Advocating for the Symphony Chorus with Anthony Blake Clark

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 "Ep

Episode 233: A Natural Laboratory for Reconciliation with Ryan Luhrs

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

Episode 232: Choral Music in Chile with Javiera Lara Salvador

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

Episode 231: It’s Process AND Product with Andrew Schmidt

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 A

Episode 230: Enneagram in Ensembles, Classrooms, Music and Life with Sarah McMahill

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: E