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.
Episode 262: How to Avoid Making Our Singers Worse
Oct 17, 2025
Show notes
Group vocal tips, and singing instructions can be a mine field. Every voice in the room is different. It really is possible to say things in a choir rehearsal that helps one singer gets better, while making ten worse. Let’s be careful!
Part 5
This episode is sourced from a recent professional development I gave for Wentzville, MO school district. The focus was Vocal Pedagogy concepts specific to a group setting. The crucial jumping off point is that our knowledge of our OWN voice does not qualify us to instruct the voice of others.
The choir teachers of the district and I delve into the complexities of teaching singing to children, particularly in group settings. We explore the unique challenges faced by vocal instructors, including the need for individualized instruction, the importance of understanding vocal anatomy, and the impact of language on teaching methods. The presentation emphasizes the significance of fostering a supportive environment for young singers, encouraging them to explore their voices while navigating the intricacies of vocal pedagogy. If you want to hear the rest of this presentation and others from that PD day as well as my full collection of PD sessions, become a paid subscriber on Patreon or Substack!
Choralosophy presented by Ludus. Visit Ludus.com/choralosophy for the cutting edge in fine arts ticketing and marketing solutions.
Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!
Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope
For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and Facebook
Enter Choralosophy at Checkout for a 5% discount when you shop for folders, robes and other gear for your choir program! www.mymusicfolders.com and www.mychoirrobes.comRyanMain.com is now expanding to a family of composers! Visit endeavormusicpublishing.com and of course, enter Choralosophy at checkout for a 10% discount!
Episode 261: The Art of Programming with Jo-Michael Scheibe
Oct 10, 2025
Show notes
The name “Jo Michael Scheibe” has been known to many in the world of choral music for decades for more than just the sound of his choirs. The Jo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series is one of the richest and most thorough curations of the art form available.
Choosing repertoire can often be a “needle in a haystack” type of process. But Dr. Scheibe has it down to a science. His series began in the 1990s, and many of us in the profession, including myself, may have known his name from the cover of a TON of octavos before we knew his phenomenal work with his choirs. He sets the premise bluntly: “Well, number one, I think I look at my choir. I need to know what my choir is composed of so that I don’t frustrate them. If I don’t have low C’s … Rachmaninoff is not going to work.”
From there, we get practical about process.We dig into musical literacy and materials that actually fit the ensemble. Finally, we talk pacing and philosophy—why sometimes themes can be good, but also can be limiting, and how tricky it can be to create a philosophical hierarchy of programming that balances the needs of your singers with other needs like diversity of time, culture, sound etc as well as with the ever present need to please our colleagues.
Choralosophy presented by Ludus. Visit Ludus.com/choralosophy for the cutting edge in fine arts ticketing and marketing solutions.
Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!
Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope
Independent Student Rehearsal By The Second Month Of School School by Chris Munce
Welcome back to Choralosophy Community Contributor, Ian Henning! This fantastic article will useful to vocal music educators of all levels. Ian is a great example of a myth buster.
Jo-Michael Scheibe chaired the Department of Choral and Sacred Music at the USC Thornton School of Music from 2008 to 2020 and continued to teach and conduct as a full-time professor in the department until the end of December 2022, and awarded the title Professor Emeritus of Choral Music. Scheibe served as National President of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) (2011-2013), Western Division President (1991-1993), and National Repertoire and Standards Chairperson for Community Colleges (1980-1989). He served as a member of the board of the International Federation for Choral Music (2020-2023).
Ensembles under his leadership sang at seven national ACDA conventions, two national conventions of the National Association for Music Education (formerly MENC), the National Conference of the National Collegiate Choral Organization, and the World Choral Symposium in South Korea. He remains professionally active as a conductor and teacher.
Enter Choralosophy at Checkout for a 5% discount when you shop for folders, robes and other gear for your choir program! www.mymusicfolders.com and www.mychoirrobes.com
Scheibe collaborated with Luciano Pavarotti, José Carreras, the Rolling Stones, Sir Elton John, the Eagles, and Kenny Loggins and has prepared choruses for Helmuth Rilling, Sir Colin Davis, Michael Tilson Thomas, James Judd, Carl St. Clair, Jeffrey Kahane, and Jamie Martin. Recordings of his ensembles are available on the Albany, Cane, Centaur, NAXOS, Arsis, and ANS labels.
Music publishers Walton, Colla Voce, Hal Leonard, Santa Barbara Music, and Pavane distribute the Jo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series internationally. Scheibe was the editor and co-authored Teaching Music Through Performance – Choir Volume 4 and Teaching Music Through Performance – Choir Volume 5.
RyanMain.com is now expanding to a family of composers! Visit endeavormusicpublishing.com and of course, enter Choralosophy at checkout for a 10% discount!
In April of 2023, Scheibe was named one of the fourteen US Fulbright Scholars in Ireland for 2023-2024. His home base was north of Dublin, in Balbriggan, at the Irish Institute for Music and Song for Fall 2023. He conducted the IIMS Chamber Choir at the Institute, and Còr Fingal taught a Conducting Course. During the Fall of 2023, Scheibe was active throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland, working with ensembles of all levels, lecturing, and visiting choirs throughout Ireland. Jo-Michael Scheibe received his DMA from USC (1985) and earned his BA and MM degrees from California State University at Long Beach, where he was named a Distinguished Graduate.
Episode 260: The World is Your Chorister with Jonas Rasmussen
Oct 03, 2025
Show notes
Many choir directors share warm ups and other activities in the form of video clips. But few have gained as much traction as Jonas Rasmussen. Tune in to find out why, and to go behind the scenes and in depth on these awesome exercises!
You may know him as The “Choir Conductor” on Instagram. In this episode, Jonas Rasmussen, a choral director from Denmark, joins the Choralosophy Podcast to discuss his journey in choral music, the cultural differences in choral practices between Denmark and the US, and his innovative approach to choir warm-ups. Jonas shares his experiences studying in Sweden and the UK, his work with youth and adult choirs in Aarhus, and his viral success on Instagram with choir warm-up videos. The conversation delves into the challenges of choral conducting education in Denmark, the importance of embracing failure in rehearsals, and the unique Danish tradition of communal singing from the Folk High School Songbook. Jonas and the Chris also explore the concept of ‘blend’ in choral music and the impact of linguistic heritage on singing styles.
The impact of cultural differences on choral practices in Denmark and the US.
Jonas’s innovative approach to choir warm-ups and his viral Instagram success.
The challenges of choral conducting education in Denmark and the lack of institutional support.
The importance of embracing failure in rehearsals to foster growth and learning.
The unique Danish tradition of communal singing from the Folk High School Songbook.
The concept of ‘blend’ in choral music and its different interpretations.
The influence of linguistic heritage on singing styles and choral sound.
Choralosophy presented by Ludus. Visit Ludus.com/choralosophy for the cutting edge in fine arts ticketing and marketing solutions.
Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!
Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope
Independent Student Rehearsal By The Second Month Of School School by Chris Munce
Welcome back to Choralosophy Community Contributor, Ian Henning! This fantastic article will useful to vocal music educators of all levels. Ian is a great example of a myth buster.
For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and FB!
Sign up for an annual membership and save over $50 by entering Choralosophy at checkout! Save 15% on monthly or annual subscriptions.
Jonas Rasmussen (b. 1992) is a Danish conductor, composer, content creator and educator, widely recognized for his ability to combine artistic ambition with playfulness and accessibility. He serves as Artistic Director of Academic Choir Aarhus and Youth Choir Aarhus U, both award-winning ensembles with whom he has achieved significant international success, including victories at the World Choral Championship in Tokyo, European Choir Games and Let the Peoples Sing.
Educated in choral conducting at the University of Cambridge, the Royal College of Music in Stockholm and the Royal Academy of Music in Aarhus, Jonas has quickly established himself as one of the most distinctive choral voices of his generation. He has worked with professional ensembles such as The King’s Singers and Ars Nova Copenhagen and is in high demand as a workshop leader throughout Europe.
Enter Choralosophy at Checkout for a 5% discount when you shop for folders, robes and other gear for your choir program! www.mymusicfolders.com and www.mychoirrobes.com
Beyond performance, he is committed to education and mentorship. Since 2021 he has taught classical choral conducting at the Royal Academy of Music Aarhus, and since 2025, he has shared content about choral music online for a wide international audience with a following of 100.000 across platforms and millions of views.
His work combines artistic excellence with accessibility, fostering community and innovation in choral music.
RyanMain.com is now expanding to a family of composers! Visit endeavormusicpublishing.com and of course, enter Choralosophy at checkout for a 10% discount!
Episode 259: But You Don’t LOOK Like a Conductor with Dr. Nicole Mattfeld
Sep 26, 2025
Show notes
Much is said about gender disparity and imbalance in the Arts and Education. But, this week, our guest gets personal by sharing some specifics. The microagressions of a male-dominated profession.
In this conversation, Dr. Nicole Mattfeld discusses her experiences as a female choral conductor, highlighting the challenges of gender bias, societal expectations, and the impact of appearance on professionalism in the arts. She shares personal anecdotes about being judged based on her looks rather than her skills, and emphasizes the need for open dialogue about microaggressions and accountability in the music community. The discussion also touches on the importance of increasing female representation in leadership roles within choral music and the performing arts.
Judgment based on appearance is a recurring theme in her career.
Microaggressions can undermine confidence and professional credibility.
Women in music often face different standards and expectations than men.
The importance of open communication in addressing inappropriate behavior.
Social media has changed the dynamics of professional interactions.
Accountability is crucial in addressing harassment in the arts.
Choralosophy presented by Ludus. Visit Ludus.com/choralosophy for the cutting edge in fine arts ticketing and marketing solutions.
Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!
Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope
Independent Student Rehearsal By The Second Month Of School School by Chris Munce
Welcome back to Choralosophy Community Contributor, Ian Henning! This fantastic article will useful to vocal music educators of all levels. Ian is a great example of a myth buster.
For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and FB!
Sign up for an annual membership and save over $50 by entering Choralosophy at checkout! Save 15% on monthly or annual subscriptions.
Dr. Nicole Mattfeld is Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music at Alma College in Michigan, where she conducts three choral ensembles and teaches courses in conducting and music education. She also serves as the Music Worship Director at Redeemer Church in Dewitt, MI. With a passion for creating lifelong singers and expressing the human condition through singing, Nicole’s varied musical experiences have included working with university, secondary, community adult and youth choirs, as well as various church ensembles and community orchestras. Prior to Alma College, she served as Assistant Professor of Music at Bethel University, Director of Youth Choirs for Minnesota Chorale, Artistic Director & Conductor of Minnesota Center Chorale, Chorus Director for Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra, and Director of Bella Fiore with Sing Out Loud. Before this, she taught secondary choir for over a decade and worked as a hospice therapeutic musician.
A sought-after clinician, Nicole is active across the United States working with schools as a guest conductor and adjudicator at music festivals and conferences. Her choirs have performed nationally and internationally, and she will make her conducting debut at Carnegie Hall with MidAmerica Productions in Spring 2027. Nicole currently serves on the board of American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) of Michigan. She has previously held positions on the boards of ACDA-MN and Minnesota Music Educators Association.
Enter Choralosophy at Checkout for a 5% discount when you shop for folders, robes and other gear for your choir program! www.mymusicfolders.com and www.mychoirrobes.com
Nicole holds a Doctorate of Music Education degree from Liberty University. Her research is focused on the scientific benefits of music, specifically utilizing HeartMath techniques to enhance heart coherence and physiological entrainment in the choral ensemble. Nicole also has a MM in Conducting from Colorado State University and a BFA in Choral Music Education from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
RyanMain.com is now expanding to a family of composers! Visit endeavormusicpublishing.com and of course, enter Choralosophy at checkout for a 10% discount!
The First Days of Choir Part 6: Installing a Personhood Curriculum
Sep 12, 2025
Show notes
What is the POINT of a solid, well installed, Choral/Vocal Pedagogy for young people? Why does it matter? Just to make good performers? Or is it something deeper…
Part6
The episode is the sixth part of a series titled “The First Days of Choir,” inspired by Harry Wong’s educational text “The First Days of School.” In this episode, we engage in a thoughtful discussion on the role of anti-fragility in education. We explore how facing challenges can help students grow and adapt. Through the lens of art, we consider ways to build the whole person, integrating creativity and critical thinking into the curriculum. Join us as we explore strategies to nurture adaptable, well-rounded individuals in an ever-changing world. The strategies for teachers included in the episode address both personal balance with the job, but also the value of authenticity in the classroom and its role in our mental health.
Segments were pulled from one of the most popular presentations in the Choralosophy Repertoire called “Maximize You” originally presented at Alabama ACDA.
Choralosophy presented by Ludus. Visit Ludus.com/choralosophy for the cutting edge in fine arts ticketing and marketing solutions.
Excerpts from popular “Arts of Personhood and Shining Eyes” Presentation
Reframing concepts from the first 5 episodes into a cohesive end goal.
Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!
Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope
July 2025 Newsletter. The Calm Before the Storm by Chris Munce
Subscribe for free and never miss out on the conversation. The show is on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or ANY podcast player! Last month might have been the best yet!
For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and Facebook
Did you you can bring Chris and a Choralosophy discussion, lesson or presentation to YOU?! Just click this link and begin the discussion!
Enter Choralosophy at Checkout for a 5% discount when you shop for folders, robes and other gear for your choir program! www.mymusicfolders.com and www.mychoirrobes.comRyanMain.com is now expanding to a family of composers! Visit endeavormusicpublishing.com and of course, enter Choralosophy at checkout for a 10% discount!
Episode 258: Crafting Identity Through Music with Shruthi Rajasekar
Sep 05, 2025
Show notes
“Everything in my music journey was my own drive… I actually love this.” Shruthi’s story of “falling in love at first sight” will inspire you.
In this edition of the Oxford Series we explore the vibrant fusion of Carnatic and Western classical music through the eyes of a composer who crafts her identity into every note. Shruthi Rajasekar shares her journey of improvisation and cultural expression, and inviting you to experience music as a living, breathing art form. Shruthi was a wonderful conversation partner, and had some very interesting insights to share about her creative process. She even flipped around and asked me questions on occasion!
We also discuss the importance of cultural identity in music in general, the role of “the tonic” in Carnatic music, and the intersections of different musical styles. Shruthi emphasizes the collaborative nature of music-making and the significance of community in choral settings. She also reflects on the influence of literature on her work and the balance between personal and political themes in her music.
Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!
Choralosophy presented by Ludus. Visit Ludus.com/choralosophy for the cutting edge in fine arts ticketing and marketing solutions.
Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope
For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and FB!
Sign up for an annual membership and save over $50 by entering Choralosophy at checkout! Save 15% on monthly or annual subscriptions.
Named a composer “who will enrich your life” by The Guardian, Shruthi Rajasekar, ARNCM (b. 1996) is an Indian-American musician whose work highlights identity, community, and joy.
Shruthi is a 2025 ACF McKnight Composer Fellow with the American Composers Forum, a fellowship given to “outstanding mid-career artists.” She was made an Associate of the Royal Northern College of Music (ARNCM) “in recognition of exceptional contributions made to the music profession” and was awarded a 2023-2025 Jerome Hill Artist Fellowship for “taking creative risks.” Shruthi’s compositions have won numerous honors, including the KHORIKOS ORTUS International Award, the Composers Guild of New Jersey Award, and the Global Women in Music Award from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights & Donne in Musica Adkins Chiti Foundation. BBC Music Magazine named Shruthi a 2020 Rising Star. Performed in North America, Europe, and Asia in venues such as the Royal Albert Hall (London, UK), the Cannes Film Festival (France), the National Centre for Performing Arts (Mumbai, India), and Victoria Hall (Singapore), Shruthi’s music has additionally reached thousands of listeners across the world on BBC Radio 3 & 4, Spotify’s Official Classical Releases, Minnesota Public Radio, and more.
Enter Choralosophy at Checkout for a 5% discount when you shop for folders, robes and other gear for your choir program! www.mymusicfolders.com and www.mychoirrobes.com
Shruthi’s diverse output reflects her diasporic South Asian identity, her dual performance background in Carnatic (South Indian classical) and Western classical musics, and her belief in the importance of communal gathering and civic engagement. Recent projects include Sarojini (a large choral-orchestral and Indian ensemble composition about the Indian Independence Movement) and Whose Names Are Unknown (a choral-instrumental climate action and workers’ rights piece), the multimedia work Parivaar commissioned by the Schubert Club, new vocal pieces for VOCES8, The Gesualdo Six, ORA Singers, Seattle Pro Musica, and Yale University’s Institute of Sacred Music, and large ensemble, chamber, and solo instrumental works such as To ask is to listen, a new cross-genre composition commissioned by Wigmore Hall for Abel Selaocoe & the Hermes Experiment. In addition to working with today’s leading musicians, Shruthi is passionate about composing for early performers and has created multiple educational pieces for ABRSM. Shruthi’s work has been recorded by the BBC Singers, the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain, Maithree, Corvus Consort, Somerville College (University of Oxford), and Queens College (University of Cambridge), among others. In November 2021, her music was performed at the United Nations COP26. Shruthi has been an artist-in-residence at Britten Pears Arts (Snape, UK), Tusen Takk Foundation (Michigan, USA), and the Anderson Center (Minnesota, USA).
An award-winning Carnatic and Western classical vocalist, Shruthi is equally adept in traditional and experimental settings. She has performed at Kampenjazz (Oslo, Norway), Snape Maltings (Aldeburgh, UK), Kommune (Sheffield, UK), Source Song Festival (Minneapolis, USA), and Margazhi Ethnic New Year (Chennai, India), among other venues around the world. Her performance gurus and teachers have been her mother, the internationally renowned musician Vid. Nirmala Rajasekar, and Dr. Rochelle Ellis (Westminster Choir College), Jerry Elsbernd, and Patricia Rozario, OBE (Royal College of Music, UK). She received additional guidance in Carnatic music and musicology from the late vocal exponent Shri B. Seetarama Sarma and veteran scholar Dr. B.M. Sundaram. Honors during her studies include “Best On-Stage Presentation” at the national Carnatic Music Idol USA: Season 3 and first place at the Minnesota-NATS Competition.
RyanMain.com is now expanding to a family of composers! Visit endeavormusicpublishing.com and of course, enter Choralosophy at checkout for a 10% discount!
Shruthi has been a guest presenter and/or composer-in-residence at the University of South Carolina, Reed College, Ahmedabad University, Westminster Choir College, University of Western Ontario, St. Olaf College, University of Minnesota, and more. Shruthi is an Honorary Music Patron of Hertfordshire Chorus and serves on the board of directors for the international artist center Anderson Center and for new music chamber ensemble Zeitgeist. She completed her Marshall Scholarship in the United Kingdom at SOAS, University of London (M.Mus. Ethnomusicology, Supervisors: Richard Widdess and Richard Williams) and the Royal Northern College of Music (M.Mus. Composition, Teachers: Adam Gorb and Laura Bowler). Shruthi graduated with the Edward T. Cone Prize from Princeton University, where she received composition instruction from Donnacha Dennehy, Barbara White, Andrew Lovett, Dan Trueman, and Juri Seo.
The First Days of Choir Part 5: Voicing, Reflecting and Redirecting
Aug 29, 2025
Show notes
Even when all the plans are best laid, we sometimes miss. How do we reflect and redirect before we lose the whole school year?
Part 5
The episode is the FIFTH part of a series titled “The First Days of Choir,” inspired by Harry Wong’s educational text “The First Days of School.” This particular episode, part five, shifts focus from Wong’s general educational strategies to more music-specific elements relevant to vocal and music educators at the start of the school year. Chris shares insights and live clips from their own choir classes, highlighting experiences with different groups, including an intermediate group in their second year, a third-year group, and an advanced chamber choir. The episode also includes a reflective segment where we discuss the challenges and opportunities of starting a new school year, emphasizing the importance of a strong start and offering encouragement to educators.
Choralosophy presented by Ludus. Visit Ludus.com/choralosophy for the cutting edge in fine arts ticketing and marketing solutions.
VOICING IDEAS! Discussion on how to get kids plugged in to successful sound making right away.
Clips of the first day of school in an actual choir room!
Reflection on the start of the year and how to redirect when it’s not going well.
Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!
Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope
July 2025 Newsletter. The Calm Before the Storm by Chris Munce
Subscribe for free and never miss out on the conversation. The show is on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or ANY podcast player! Last month might have been the best yet!
For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and Facebook
Harry K. Wong authored over 130 publications, including the leading book in education on how to start THE First Days of School, a monthly column in an online site for teachers, a CD set, and books on new teacher induction, classroom management, and instruction. He co-created an eLearning course on classroom management and appeared in the award-winning video series, The Effective Teacher.
His techniques have been adapted by thousands of educators for success in their schools and classrooms. He was called “Mr. Practicality” for his common sense, research-based, no cost approach to managing a classroom for high-level student success.
His many journal articles were featured in such publications as Educational Leadership, KAPPAN, Principal Leadership, NASSP Bulletin, American School Board Journal, Kappa Delta Pi Record, School Business Affairs, Education Week, and Instructor.
He was credited with transforming schools and turning around the lives of tens of thousands of teachers.
Enter Choralosophy at Checkout for a 5% discount when you shop for folders, robes and other gear for your choir program! www.mymusicfolders.com and www.mychoirrobes.comRyanMain.com is now expanding to a family of composers! Visit endeavormusicpublishing.com and of course, enter Choralosophy at checkout for a 10% discount!
Episode 257: Music is My Language with Ananya Venkateswaran
Aug 22, 2025
Show notes
Ananya has made music in many places around the world, and she believes that “choir is everywhere” and for everyone.
This week, I am discussing music with a unique guest for this show! Ananya Venkateswaran, is a 17-year-old choral High School Student in Abu Dhabi, UAE. She shares her unique experiences as a “third culture kid” and her journey in music. From her roots in Carnatic music to her passion for Western choral traditions, Ananya discusses the importance of cultural identity in music, her education in an international school, and her leadership experiences in choral settings. She reflects on her participation in the European Choir Games, where her trio represented the UAE, and emphasizes the interdisciplinary connections between music, language, and the arts. Ananya’s insights reveal a deep understanding of music’s role in bridging cultures and fostering community.
She highlights the differences and similarities between Carnatic and Western music traditions.
Ananya believes that aural and visual music learning complement each other.
She advocates for a broader definition of choirs that includes various cultural expressions of group singing.
Her interdisciplinary interests in social sciences and English enhance her musical understanding.
Choralosophy presented by Ludus. Visit Ludus.com/choralosophy for the cutting edge in fine arts ticketing and marketing solutions.
Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!
Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope
Independent Student Rehearsal By The Second Month Of School School by Chris Munce
Welcome back to Choralosophy Community Contributor, Ian Henning! This fantastic article will useful to vocal music educators of all levels. Ian is a great example of a myth buster.
For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and FB!
Sign up for an annual membership and save over $50 by entering Choralosophy at checkout! Save 15% on monthly or annual subscriptions.
Ananya Venkateswaran is a seventeen year old choral director, arranger, composer, and vocalist at the crossroads of several musical worlds. She is of Indian heritage, with US roots and nationality. However, she’s spent most of her life living in the United Arab Emirates and considers it home. Ananya is a classically trained Carnatic vocalist, but also grew up singing in a variety of Western Art Music choirs, and has been a member and soloist in various international honor choirs. Her musical identity is rooted in the multiple musical traditions that she’s grown up in, a love for cross-cultural conversation, and a deep-seated belief in the power of interdisciplinary thought pollination (her love for literature and writing influences her approach to score-studying, directing, and composing, as does her passion for the social sciences). As a choral director and singer, Ananya is a big believer in the importance of authentic musical diversity, the power of music to spark relevant dialogue, and the value of buildable skills like sight-reading.
Enter Choralosophy at Checkout for a 5% discount when you shop for folders, robes and other gear for your choir program! www.mymusicfolders.com and www.mychoirrobes.com
Ananya was the Founder, Artistic Director, and soprano of ARA | أرى. An unconducted, a cappella youth choir, ARA made history this past summer as the first ensemble to compete for the UAE on the global choral stage at the 2025 European Choir Games in Denmark. The smallest ensemble at the festival, ARA brought home a silver diploma. The ECG trip was a success against all odds, culminating countless hours of hard work, study, rehearsal, and learning on the fly.
Additionally, Ananya is the founder of Sound Circle, a community music-making initiative that has hosted events in India, the US, and the UAE across a variety of age ranges.
RyanMain.com is now expanding to a family of composers! Visit endeavormusicpublishing.com and of course, enter Choralosophy at checkout for a 10% discount!
In this episode, the two researchers and I delve into effective strategies for teaching musical expression with experts Craig Hurley and Rebecca Atkins. We explore how integrating expression from the start can transform choir performances, and learn about innovative techniques such as using physical movements to teach dynamics, the importance of auditory cues, and the role of emotional connection in music. I learn a lot about how to engage students with both auditory and visual elements, and get to hear inspiring stories about fostering creativity and expression in young musicians. Whether you’re a seasoned conductor or new to teaching, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips to elevate your teaching approach.
Teaching expression should start from the beginning of the learning process.
Visual elements can enhance auditory expression but must align with it.
Building a musical expressive vocabulary is essential for students.
Engaging students in the creative process can lead to better musical outcomes.
Choralosophy presented by Ludus. Visit Ludus.com/choralosophy for the cutting edge in fine arts ticketing and marketing solutions.
Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!
Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope
Independent Student Rehearsal By The Second Month Of School School by Chris Munce
Welcome back to Choralosophy Community Contributor, Ian Henning! This fantastic article will useful to vocal music educators of all levels. Ian is a great example of a myth buster.
For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and FB!
Sign up for an annual membership and save over $50 by entering Choralosophy at checkout! Save 15% on monthly or annual subscriptions.
Craig Hurley is currently in his second year as the Artistic Director of the Spivey Hall Children’s Choir Program, where he leads both the Children’s Choir and the Tour Choir. Prior to this role, he led the Spivey Hall Young Artists, the preparatory ensemble of the organization, for 18 years. Dr. Hurley has been a guest clinician for honor choirs across the southeastern United States and is the immediate past president of the Georgia Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association.
In addition to his role at Spivey Hall, Dr. Hurley serves as the music specialist at Ford Elementary School in Cobb County, Georgia, where he instructs general music for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. He has led interest sessions at various state, regional, and national conferences including the 2024 ACDA Children’s & Community Youth Choir Conductors’ Retreat. His research focuses on expressive choral performance pedagogy and has been published in the International Journal of Research in Choral Singing, Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education, & The Choral Journal among others. Dr. Hurley was honored as the Teacher of the Year in both 2002 and 2016, and he was recognized as the 2020 Cobb County Elementary General Music Teacher of the Year. In 2021, he was named the Educator of the Year by the Georgia Music Educators Association.
Enter Choralosophy at Checkout for a 5% discount when you shop for folders, robes and other gear for your choir program! www.mymusicfolders.com and www.mychoirrobes.com
Dr. Hurley earned his degrees from Shorter College, Berry College, and the University of Georgia. Rebecca L. Atkins is an Associate Professor of Music Education (Vocal/Choral) and was awarded the General Sandy Beaver Professorship 2022-2024. Previously she was the Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Music Education at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga (2013-2016) where she supervised student teachers, conducted Women’s Chorale, and taught Choral Methods, Design, Instruction, and Evaluation for Music Education, and Ear-training. She also taught graduate courses in Psychology of Music, Research Methods in Music Education, and supervised projects and thesis. She received her Ph.D. in Music and Human Learning at The University of Texas at Austin (2013), an M.M. in Choral Conducting at Missouri State University (2008), and a B.M. in Music Studies at The University of Texas at Austin (1994).
Dr. Atkins is an active clinician, adjudicator, performer, and music education researcher. Her current research focuses on the effects of attention on vocal tone quality. She is also drawn to research questions that pertain to the development of performance skills and the refinement of pedagogy. Before her collegiate career, Atkins successfully directed middle school and high school choir programs for 14 years in the public school systems of Texas, Alabama, and Tennessee, earning superior and excellent ratings consistently at competitions.
RyanMain.com is now expanding to a family of composers! Visit endeavormusicpublishing.com and of course, enter Choralosophy at checkout for a 10% discount!
The First Days of Choir Part 4: Repertoire with Intent
Aug 08, 2025
Show notes
“In an effective classroom, students should not only know what they are doing, they should also know why and how.”- Harry Wong.
Part 4
In this episode, we delve into the critical role of repertoire selection in shaping music education. Discuss with me how the right choice of music can inspire, challenge, and elevate both students and the educators. We will explore expert insights from Harry Wong, share success stories and failures, and uncover the transformative power of a well-curated repertoire.
Whether you’re a seasoned conductor or a budding choir director, this episode offers valuable perspectives to enhance your choir’s journey. Tune in and let the music guide you!
Choralosophy presented by Ludus. Visit Ludus.com/choralosophy for the cutting edge in fine arts ticketing and marketing solutions.
Principles from Harry Wong related to selecting our learning materials
Strategies for aligning repertoire selection to later learning
The importance of teaching classroom procedures THROUGH the repertoire
Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!
Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope
July 2025 Newsletter. The Calm Before the Storm by Chris Munce
Subscribe for free and never miss out on the conversation. The show is on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or ANY podcast player! Last month might have been the best yet!
For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and Facebook
Sign up for an annual membership and save over $50 by entering Choralosophy at checkout! Save 15% on monthly or annual subscriptions.
Harry K. Wong authored over 130 publications, including the leading book in education on how to start THE First Days of School, a monthly column in an online site for teachers, a CD set, and books on new teacher induction, classroom management, and instruction. He co-created an eLearning course on classroom management and appeared in the award-winning video series, The Effective Teacher.
His techniques have been adapted by thousands of educators for success in their schools and classrooms. He was called “Mr. Practicality” for his common sense, research-based, no cost approach to managing a classroom for high-level student success.
His many journal articles were featured in such publications as Educational Leadership, KAPPAN, Principal Leadership, NASSP Bulletin, American School Board Journal, Kappa Delta Pi Record, School Business Affairs, Education Week, and Instructor.
He was credited with transforming schools and turning around the lives of tens of thousands of teachers.
Enter Choralosophy at Checkout for a 5% discount when you shop for folders, robes and other gear for your choir program! www.mymusicfolders.com and www.mychoirrobes.comRyanMain.com is now expanding to a family of composers! Visit endeavormusicpublishing.com and of course, enter Choralosophy at checkout for a 10% discount!
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
Stay Connected
Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!
