One of the foundational principles of this show is that we, as humans AND as colleagues don’t have to agree about everything. In fact I will take it a step further: we NEED disagreement and dialogue in order to learn and grow. This episode is based on that principle. I recently came across Kirsten Oberoi … Continue reading "Episode 81: Can Auditions be Inclusive? With Kirsten Oberoi"

Choralosophy

Episode 81: Can Auditions be Inclusive? With Kirsten Oberoi

At some point, we have to come back to choir, (or quit) and the Covid risk will not be zero. So, it is now unavoidable that we will have to become comfortable engaging with humans in close proximity because they NEED us. Choir is essential. Nicola Dedmon recently wrote a great article in the ACDA … Continue reading "Episode 80: Finding Connection Again with Nicola Dedmon"

Episode 80: Finding Connection Again with Nicola Dedmon

Brought to you by members of my Patreon, who have collaborated with me to create this episode. This is the first time I have done a MULTI topic show. I think you will enjoy it! Topics in this short episode include: How are you navigating the return to “normal” activities? Do you get flack for … Continue reading "Ask Me Literally ANYTHING! Vol. 1"

Ask Me Literally ANYTHING! Vol. 1

In this episode, I read some recent reviews from the Apple Podcasts App, as well as some questions that came in through the website. Then, I have clipped out a portion of episode one of Reconstructing the Dialogue. A new podcast on which I am but one voice of many. Journalist Mónica Guzman, Professor Erec … Continue reading "Chris Reads from the Audience Mailbag and Joins the Cast of a NEW Podcast"

Chris Reads from the Audience Mailbag and Joins the Cast of a NEW Podcast

We can expect “Excellence” and be inclusive of all ability levels at the same time! That’s it. That’s the Blog. Just kidding. There’s more. On the Choralosophy Podcast over the last several years, I have presented my thoughts on choral music curriculum in several episodes. From grading policies, to literacy instruction, as well a the … Continue reading "Car Thoughts: Elite without elitism, merit without meritocracy"

Car Thoughts: Elite without elitism, merit without meritocracy

Panel discussion featuring three insightful Professors In this week’s special panel conversation, I am finally responding to what has been a frequent listener suggestion for a podcast topic. A “no BS” discussion on the Choral Grad School decision that weighs so heavily on many of us, sometimes more than once in our careers. So, I … Continue reading "Episode 79: Is Grad School Right For Me?! André Thomas, Jennaya Robison and Giselle Wyers"

Episode 79: Is Grad School Right For Me?! André Thomas, Jennaya Robison and Giselle Wyers

This special episode is something a bit different, in that it is a recap of a shared experience. All the way back on Episode 17, Marques Garrett challenged me to intentionally find an opportunity to be an “only” in the room. I had reflected in that conversation that, as a white guy, I don’t think … Continue reading "Episode 78: The Only White Guy in the Room with Maria and Chris"

Episode 78: The Only White Guy in the Room with Maria and Chris

Removing Barriers To Honest and Emotional Singing J.D. Frizzell is a standout educator and clinician. In this episode, we discuss Dr. Frizzell’s successful approach to getting his singers to come out of their shells! We all want our ensembles to sing with passion, honesty, and expression, but how do we achieve this in an objective, … Continue reading "Episode 77: Singing Without Fear with Dr. J.D. Frizzell"

Episode 77: Singing Without Fear with Dr. J.D. Frizzell

Part of the Oxford Series on the Choralosophy Podcast The next installment of the Oxford Series is THE John Rutter. We have all grown up knowing the name and legacy that John represents. In this conversation, my goal was to give you a peak behind the curtain revealing the human side of the legend. We … Continue reading "Episode 76: Finding a Niche with John Rutter"

Episode 76: Finding a Niche with John Rutter

CDC published epidemiologist returns to the show to discuss the science of schools in the shifting sands of Delta. Since appearing on the show in November on Episode 49, Dr. Høeg has been very busy both researching and making public commentary about the issues surrounding Covid, kids and schools. Since her first Choralosophy appearance, she … Continue reading "Episode 75: The Delta Variables with Dr. Tracy Hoeg (part 2)"

Episode 75: The Delta Variables with Dr. Tracy Hoeg (part 2)

CDC published epidemiologist returns to the show to discuss the science of schools in the shifting sands of Delta. Since appearing on the show in November on Episode 49, Dr. Høeg has been very busy both researching and making public commentary about the issues surrounding Covid, kids and schools. Since her first Choralosophy appearance, she … Continue reading "Episode 75: The Delta Variables with Dr. Tracy Hoeg (Part 1)"

Episode 75: The Delta Variables with Dr. Tracy Hoeg (Part 1)

A Back to School Special From Choralosophy Podcast Listen in, or watch on YouTube for the complete presentation focusing on the practices, philosophies and RESULTS made possible by Sight Reading Factory. I discuss the “first day of school” reading activity, the way I rip off the bandaid by removing all keyboard assistance for note reading, … Continue reading "Mastering Literacy Instruction- Live at Iowa ACDA"

Mastering Literacy Instruction- Live at Iowa ACDA

A Back to School Special from the Choralosophy Podcast This time, we have William Bennett of Cane Bay High School in the hot seat to reflect on Carol Dweck’s “Mindset” research and practice as well as its implication in the choral rehearsal setting. Warning: sportsball metaphors are used gratuitously. In this short discussion, we will … Continue reading "Bite Sized Choral Tips: “Mindset” in Rehearsal with William Bennett"

Bite Sized Choral Tips: “Mindset” in Rehearsal with William Bennett

A Back to School Special from Choralosophy Podcast Zach Singer weighed in on the main page of Choralosophy.com with an idea to share with us. He calls it being a “cultural custodian.” As we get back to being busy, I thought you might enjoy a few bite sized episodes with some practical, usable ideas. Tune … Continue reading "Bite Size Back to School Thoughts- “Cultural Custodians” with Zach Singer"

Bite Size Back to School Thoughts- “Cultural Custodians” with Zach Singer

Expertise Cannot Be Earned as a student. We must test our academic ideas in the real world. I recently had a lot of time to think and reflect while driving home from the convention circuit, so I went LIVE in the Choralsophers FB group to discuss some reactions to audience feedback from the Success Rubrics … Continue reading "Car Thoughts Live: What is Expertise in Choral Music?"

Car Thoughts Live: What is Expertise in Choral Music?

This page is dedicated to driving a conversation for choral musicians with the PHILOSOPHY of Choral Music at the hart 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.