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.
Car Thoughts: Evidence of Engagement is Not Evidence of Learning
May 23, 2025
Show notes
Kids learn at a young age how to show teachers that they are learning. Even if they aren’t… And with many kids, ESPECIALLY when they are not.
The long awaited return of “Car Thoughts”
Short episodes designed to get you thinking about your educational practice. In this episode, I would also submit this as food for thought for parents.
I often hear music educators speak of “engagement” in the classroom as something more than it is: A really good sign. But what is ISN’T is evidence that the student is learning or mastering concepts and skills
Imagine asking a shop teacher: “How do you know your student learned to build a desk?” But, there was no desk built by a student…
“Well, he was engaged when he watched me do it!” would not cut it.
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.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
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 248: What is a Vowel Made Of?
May 16, 2025
Show notes
Is there value to teaching the “science of singing” to young kids? I say yes. The goal is not to over-intellectualize the voice. It is to demystify it for young singers.
Have you ever asked kids “what is a vowel made of?” Try it! See what answers they give you.
There are ways to help young singers understand this concept. The key is small doses, and practical application.
Summary: What is a vowel “made of”?
Perceptually: The brain interpreting those frequencies as a vowel.
Physically: A voiced sound shaped by the vocal tract.
Acoustically: A specific set of resonant frequencies (formants).
Young singers can often take any timbral criticism or correction personally. Can we train them to think of their voice as an instrument like a clarinet?
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.
1. Sundberg, Johan – The Science of the Singing Voice
This is the foundational text in vocal acoustics.
Sundberg introduces and explains the concept of the singer’s formant, formant tuning, and how the vocal tract shapes vowel identity and resonance.
He also explains how overtones align or conflict depending on vowel shape and pitch.
2. McCoy, Scott – Your Voice: An Inside View
A pedagogically friendly yet scholarly resource used in many university voice programs.
Covers formants, harmonics, resonance tuning, vowel modification, and implications for choral singing.
Includes spectrogram analysis examples of vowel shaping and overtone reinforcement.
3. Miller, Donald – Registers, Resonance, and Formants
A deeper dive into acoustic theory applied to singing, especially useful for understanding how register transitions and vowel modification interact with overtone alignment.
Applies acoustic theory directly to classical and choral singing.
Bozeman details how vowel shapes affect resonance, tuning, and vocal efficiency.
Introduces the concept of “acoustic goals” rather than fixed vowel targets.
5. Titze, Ingo – various works, including Principles of Voice Production
One of the most respected voices in vocal science and voice therapy.
Discusses the source-filter theory of speech and singing in detail.
His research supports how formant-harmonic interaction affects perceived pitch, vowel clarity, and vocal efficiency.
6. Benade, Arthur – Fundamentals of Musical Acoustics
While broader than voice, Benade’s text covers harmonic structures, resonance, and tuning systems in a way that supports overtone theory in ensemble singing.
7. Howard, David M., and Angus, Jamie S. – Acoustics and Psychoacoustics
Used in both music tech and voice programs.
Covers how humans perceive pitch, timbre, and vowel identity through formant structures and overtone relationships.
Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles (Examples)
Titze, I. R. (2008). “Voice research: Where do we stand?” Journal of Singing.
Sundberg, J. (1987). “The acoustics of the singing voice.” Scientific American.
Ternström, S. (1993). “Perceptual evaluation of voice source characteristics of professional and amateur singers.” Journal of the Acoustical Society of America.
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
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 247: Solving Music Education’s Literacy Crisis with Carol Krueger
May 09, 2025
Show notes
“If they cannot pick up a piece of music at the end of the year (at whatever level) and do it themselves, I would question what we had been doing in my classroom.”
Carol Krueger returns with an update on the state of literacy levels for music students and pre-service teachers as well as ideas to help make your process and pedagogy more efficient! We don’t have to choose between truly fluent reading and diverse instructional methods.
In this conversation, Carol Krueger and I discuss the challenges and opportunities in music education to solve many issues with one tool. We explore the decline in music reading skills among students, the importance of connecting music literacy with linguistic literacy, and the crucial role of higher education in addressing these issues. The discussion emphasizes the need for individualized instruction, practical solutions for improving music literacy, and the significance of creating a supportive learning environment for students. Throughout the discussion, Carol provides examples of this “better way” forward that will allow us to make our pedagogy more efficient, saving time for giving our students a more diverse experience.
After we ended the episode, Carol and I kept talking and shared even MORE warm ups and instructional ideas. We even had a friendly debate about the use of the metronome in class. I will make that 20 minutes available on the private podcast available on Patreon or Substack.
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.
Dr. Krueger formerly served as the Director of Choral Activities at Valdosta State University, Emporia State University, and Florida Southern. She also served as the Associate Director of Choral Activities at the University of South Carolina and the University of Montevallo. A native of Wisconsin, Krueger received her bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and both an M.M. and D.M.A. in Choral Conducting from the University of Miami.
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
An active clinician, adjudicator and guest conductor, Krueger has most recently conducted festivals and honor choirs at the collegiate, high school and middle school levels in Maryland, Arkansas, South Dakota, North Carolina, Virginia, Wisconsin, Kansas, New York, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, Washington, Georgia, South Carolina, North Dakota, Indiana [2021] and Kentucky [2021]. In addition, Dr. Krueger served as the guest conductor of the North-North Central ACDA Middle School Treble Choir (Milwaukee, 2020) of Vivaldi’s Gloria in Carnegie Hall (2010), the Adult Chancel Choir and Chamber Singers at Montreat Presbyterian Association of Musicians Conference (2010), and multiple performances of Epcot’s Candlelight Processional and Massed Choir Program (2005).
RyanMain.com is now expanding to a family of composers! Visit endeavormusicpublishing.com and of course, enter Choralosophy at checkout for a 10% discount!
Krueger has presented interest sessions at the American Choral Directors National Convention in New York, the OAKE (Kodaly) National Convention in Charlotte, the ACDA Southern Division Conventions in Mobile, Nashville and Louisville, the Southern Division MENC Convention in Charleston, the North Central Division ACDA in Madison, the Eastern Division ACDA in Providence, the Eastern Division NAfME in Hartford, as well as interest sessions or workshops in twenty-eight states (Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, and West Virginia), Australia and England. Krueger is also widely recognized for her work with music literacy. Oxford University Press publishes her book, Progressive Sight Singing.
Episode 246: Don’t Sleep on Filipino Choral Music with Reagan Paras
May 02, 2025
Show notes
Choirs across the Western world are making huge strides as we push for more diverse repertoire as well as approaches to vocalization and instruction. Reagan Paras urges us to include the Philippines as a rich resource.
In this conversation, Reagan Paras shares his unique perspective on Filipino choral music and its cultural significance. He discusses his journey from the Philippines to the United States, the challenges of cultural identity, and the importance of diverse repertoire AND methods in music education. Reagan emphasizes the complexity of Filipino choral music, its indigenous roots, and the need for cultural recognition in various pedagogies. He also provides resources for choral directors to access Filipino music, highlighting the promising future of this genre in the global music landscape.
In this conversation, Reagan discusses the vibrant choral music scene in the Philippines, emphasizing the unique vocal qualities and cultural significance of singing in Filipino society. He explores the challenges faced by composers and performers, the importance of embracing the full range of the human voice, and the need for effective communication in music education. The discussion also addresses the social dynamics surrounding male participation in choirs, the crisis of male singers in the choral world, and strategies for engaging young male singers in choir programs. Also discussed
The sound ideal for Filipino choirs in contrast to the US and UK
The ambiguity of over-broad cultural and racial categories when used to serve diversity goals.
“We should be ringing the alarm bell” about recent trends of boys avoiding choir.
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.
Reagan G. Paras, (aka The Choral Doctor) serves as an Associate Professor for Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts for the Music Education Department.
A passionate conductor, singer, and educator, he has directed performance tours across the United States and abroad. He is the Artistic Director for Many Voices: Mechanics Hall Youth Singers, performing repertoire that authentically honors the mosaic of cultures represented in the ensemble. He serves as Music Director for The Salisbury Singers, one of the premier choral ensembles in the state. Throughout the summer, he conducts the Kodály Music Institute Choir, which is comprised of music educators from across the globe. Reagan was recently elected to represent the United States as a Conducting Fellow for the American Choral Directors Association’s International Choral Exchange Program. He is a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator for various music festivals across the country. An emerging researcher, Reagan regularly presents at research symposiums across the United States.
He is an advocate for choral music education, serving on various executive boards for music associations across the northeast. Currently, he is the Diversity Chair for MA-ACDA and has held the position of Higher Education Representative for MA-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
He is a proud husband to his amazing wife Lindsey, and father of three children ages 10, 9, and 6.
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 245: Want to Make it on Stage? Take Choir! With Zoie Lee
Apr 25, 2025
Show notes
Zoie Lee is making a name for herself as a Musical Theater performer, and triple-threat. While on break from the National Tour of Chicago, she stopped back in to her old choir room to talk to me about the role music education had in shaping her career.
This conversation explores the journey of a performer from their early experiences in dance to their current role in a Broadway National Tour. The discussion delves into the importance of choir in developing music literacy, professionalism, and vocal technique, as well as the challenges of stage fright and the realities of working in the performing arts. We also explore the intricate relationship between vocal training, musical theater, and the importance of choir in developing versatile singing skills. Zoie points out the various styles of singing required in different musicals, the journey from high school to professional theater, and the significance of environment and education in shaping a performer’s career. This episode also touches on:
Preparation is key to overcoming performance anxiety.
Professionalism in the arts involves both independence and guidance.
Work-life balance is a continuous challenge for artists.
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.
Zoie Lee is a professional dancer and musical theater performer originally from Kansas City Missouri. Zoie studied Musical Theater at AMDA in New York City. Her professional credits include: National Tours: Chicago the Musical (Go-To-Hell Kitty), Anastasia (Ensemble/US Odette), Cruise Ship Contracts: Jersey Boys (Swing), Regent Splendor (Singer/Dancer), and contracts for Cedar Fair Ent. At Worlds of Fun as a Singer/Dancer. Zoie is currently playing Go-To-Hell-Kitty on the National Tour of Chicago touring the US, Canada, and Mexico!
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
Zoie grew up in Lee’s Summit Missouri where she attended Lee’s Summit High School. Zoie began her singing career her sophomore year when Chris Munce convinced her to try choir after performing in the fall musical. She joined the Women’s Choir as a 10th grader and eventually sang in both auditioned chamber choirs the high school choir department offered-Preludium and Sounds of Summit. Zoie began her dance training at three years old at Heart of America Dance Center in Lee’s Summit and danced there for 15 years. Her training there consisted of all styles of dance and she was a highly competitive dancer for 10 years. After graduating high school in 2019, Zoie studied Music Theater at AMDA in New York City on scholarship. She graduated from the conservatory in 2021 and immediately started her professional career.
Zoie is currently playing Go-To-Hell-Kitty on the National Tour of Chicago touring the US, Canada, and Mexico!
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 244: An Ambassador for African Choirs with Ken Wakia
Apr 18, 2025
Show notes
Recently named one of the 100 most influential Africans, Ken Wakia joins me to share his story as a Kenyan Choral musician and founder of the successful Nairobi Chamber Chorus.
In this episode I am honored to speak with Ken Wakia, a prominent choir director from Kenya. Ken shares his inspiring journey from a small village by Lake Victoria where he was literally FORCED to sing in choir, to becoming a recognized international figure in choral music. He discusses the cultural perceptions of music education in Africa, the evolution of choral music, and the impact of the Nairobi Chamber Chorus. Ken emphasizes the importance of music as a tool for communication and understanding across cultures, and reflects on the recognition he has received for his contributions to the field. This episode also touches on:
Choral music has deep roots in African culture, predating formal choirs.
The Nairobi Chamber Chorus aims to reflect Kenya’s diverse cultures.
Recognition in the arts can change perceptions of value in music.
Ken’s father initially disapproved of his music career choice.
The unique organizational structure of the Nairobi Chamber Chorus
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 one of the top 100 most influential people in Africa for the year 2024, by the New African Magazine, Ken has a rich and diverse career, blending expertise in music, cultural diplomacy, and education, with extensive leadership roles in both the arts and public sector.
Ken holds a Master of Music in choral conducting from the University of Miami, Florida, where he studied with Prof. Jo-Michael Scheibe as a Fulbright Scholar, and a Bachelor of Education degree in music from Kenyatta University, Nairobi. He is very proud of his early academic life studying under a tree at Ruga Primary School in Homabay before going to Mumias Complex Primary School and eventually to Musingu High School in Kakamega.
He started his career teaching music at Precious Blood Girls Secondary School in Nairobi and later as the Assistant Dean of Students at the Africa Nazarene University
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
Ken has an extensive local and international conducting credits as guest conductor and the founding director for the Nairobi Chamber Chorus (NCC) and the Safaricom workplace choir. He has conducted the Nairobi Music Society and the Nairobi Orchestra at various concerts in Nairobi.
In 2017, Ken conducted the World Youth Choir on their tour of Hungary and the Balkan states while in February 2020, he conducted the International Schools of Southern and Eastern Africa in Zambia.
Under his leadership, NCC has performed to audiences in Africa and beyond. They represented Kenya at the Queen of England’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations at Windsor Castle in 2012 and at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) National conference in Kansas City in 2019. He has also led the choir on tours through Europe, Saudi Arabia, the USA, Australia, China, Hongkong, South Korea and Japan in 2025 performing with the World of Hans Zimmer and Hans Zimmer Live productions.
A strong believer in the power of music as a tool for global change, Ken is known for leading several initiatives and collaborations which bring diverse musicians together to share their cultural heritage and explore new music together. His deliberate eclectic style of programming reflects his passion for choral music as a tool for global peace.
Alongside Dr. Kevin Fenton from Florida State University, he co-founded AVoice4Peace project which seeks to promote non-violent resolutions to conflict around the world through music.
Ken founded the Nairobi Chamber Chorus with a vision of enabling young Kenyans to participate in a high-quality musical forum from which they can build their careers and expand their realm of knowledge and interest in the arts. Since its inception, more than three hundred young Kenyans have gone through NCC and many are now leading musicians in Kenya, performing and teaching music across the country and beyond.
His work at Precious Blood Girls’ High School saw him significantly contribute to the development of the school’s musical program and its community outreach, including establishing an annual benefit concert to support underprivileged students.
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 public diplomacy, Ken made significant contributions as the Cultural and Educational Affairs Specialist at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi between 2010 and 2022 where he managed a wide range of cultural diplomacy programs for the US State Department.
With a solid foundation in both arts and diplomacy, combined with a deep commitment to education and community engagement, Ken’s professional profile reflects a dynamic and impactful career that bridges cultural exchange through music.
As a result of Ken’s dedication to promoting Kenyan and African choral music internationally through the Nairobi Chamber Chorus, he was recognized as one of the top100 most influential people in Africa for the year 2024. He was also recognized as the 2019 African Image Maker by the Voice Achievers Award International.
Episode 243: Seeing With Sound with Re Robinson
Apr 11, 2025
Show notes
A blind teacher’s take on Is “music” reading or “sight” reading important enough to provide resources to both blind and sighted students alike? One visually impaired music educator says yes!
Re Robinson, a blind choir director from Florida, shares her unique journey in music education. She discusses her experiences as a choir student and now as a teacher, emphasizing the importance of representation, adaptability, and cultural diversity in music. Re highlights her teaching methods, which incorporate ear training and Braille music, and reflects on the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals in the music profession. Her mission is to create a safe and inclusive environment for her students, encouraging them to embrace their identities while also learning about others. In this episode we discuss
The impact that musical growth can have on personal growth
She emphasizes the importance of adaptability in overcoming perceived limitations.
The use of both Braille music and ear training in her teaching.
How inclusivity impacts her programming choices
The challenge of resources for blind musicians
That reading is not just for sighted students
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.
Re Robinson has been involved in music her entire life. From the age of 15, she was singing and performing. In high school, she was a member of the prestigious Jacksonville Children’s Chorus. Under the tutelage of Carolyn Wells, Melissa Barns, and Darren Dailey, Re learned the basics of music and harmony, as well as how to navigate the very visual aspects of performing as a blind singer.
Always eager to take on new challenges and break through barriers, Ms. Robinson chose to study dance and movement, piano, and voice. Her musical talents were further developed while singing in her high school choirs at both The Florida School for the Deaf and Blind and St. Augustine High School. She was one of the first blind students to be accepted into a Florida All State Choir. Re flourished under the instruction of Leslie Costello and Jeff Dodd, so it was no surprise that she was accepted into the music program at Florida State University after graduating as the salutatorian of her class.
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
In college, she continued her vocal studies with Dr. Evan Jones and took on the ambitious task of studying choral conducting. Knowing this was an extraordinary path to take, Re threw herself into her studies and learned to navigate this very visual profession in the context of a non-visual conductor. This led her to seek the advice of many conductors and composers who have become her mentors, friends, and cheerleaders. She counts among these friends composer Roger Emerson, Cincinnati Youth Choir conductor Robin Lana, Leslie Costello, Laurie Wohl, Carolyn Wells, Midwest Center for Creative Arts director Wendi Dicken, Prof. LaKedria Lozano, and many others. They all consider Re to be a pioneer in the field of blind choral conductors and music education for students of all abilities.
Currently, MS. Robinson is a second-year middle school music educator at a school in south Florida. With her unique perspective, she continues to advocate for blind music students to have opportunities to pursue their goals in the field of music by calling for adaptive materials like braille music and theory books, and classroom assistants who can support both students and teachers. In addition, she advocates for diverse representation in the classroom by teaching her students as someone with a disability.
She continues to refine her educational philosophy, which includes building music literacy skills so that all students can become independent musicians. Re strongly reinforces the idea that students can grow through their mistakes; she encourages them to try to do their best without fear of failure. to encourage a sense of community and belonging, Re programs diverse and culturally responsive repertoire in an effort to make all students feel included in her program. This is so that students can see themselves represented in the program, but it is also so that they can have a window into the world beyond the classroom.
Outside of work, Re enjoys visiting with friends, listening to podcasts, reading, and relaxing with her guide dog, Realm.
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 242: Vocal Ped! Don’t Blame Classical Music with Justin Petersen
Mar 28, 2025
Show notes
Next up on the Vocal Pedagogy series!:Justin Peterson is a voice teacher with some very interesting and thought provoking things to say about how we teach voice, and some very useful ideas about instruction!
Justin Petersen shares his journey as a singer and voice teacher, discussing the importance of rejecting labels in music, the misconceptions surrounding classical singing, and the objective standards that define it. He emphasizes the need for a broader understanding of classical music and the dangers of “chronological snobbery” in music education. Namely, the fashionable criticism of past traditions, and the lionizing of the present.
The discussion also touches on the significance of effective pedagogy and the challenges faced by voice teachers in conveying their knowledge to students. Aka, the language barrier. He critiques the reliance on trendiness in teaching, the limitations of traditional conservatory models, and myths about how the voice actually works, like “sing with an open throat!” Petersen emphasizes the importance of diverse musical exposure for students and the need for a more experiential approach to learning singing techniques.
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.
Justin Petersen, a native of Peculiar, Missouri, has appeared in opera, music theater, and concert performances throughout the United States, and is a voice teacher, coach, and writer on vocal technique, history, and teaching philosophy.
Since 2013, Justin has been the Lead Vocal Coach for My College Audition, helping high school performers prepare for their auditions for Music Theater programs. His students have been accepted at programs such as Pace, Elon, NYU Tisch, Marymount Manhattan, Penn State, Boston University, Emerson, the Hartt School, and Montclair State.
As a singer, Justin has appeared in concert with the Boston Pops, performing in a concert of the musical Ragtime, in addition to singing as backup vocalist for Sarah Brightman in her Christmas Symphony Concert tour. Justin has also been a member of the young artist programs of the Santa Fe Opera, Sarasota Opera Studio Program, Opera North, and Des Moines Metro Opera. He also performed the role of Silas Marner in a reading of Erica Glenn’s musical,“The Weaver of Raveloe” at the New York Music Theater Festival.
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
Justin also writes a Substack on vocal pedagogy, voice training, and philosophical musings from the teacher’s bench at justinpetersen.substack.com. His interest lies in making connections between the training of the earliest teachers against current scientific findings on the human voice. His private studio includes singers from opera, musical theater, rock, pop, and barbershop, as well as avocational singers and young singers. His students also currently appear in professional opera, Broadway, and national tours.
He received his M.M. in Opera at the University of Kansas and Bachelor of Music degree from Simpson College in Indianola, IA. Among Justin’s accomplishments are participating as finalist in the Opera Azuriales Competition et Concert des Soloistes in Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat, France. He is also a winner of the Kansas City District Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, and the Berta Eisberg Scholarship Award of Mu Phi Epsilon.
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 241: Instrumental and Vocal Music United! With John Hinkle and Chops Podcast
Mar 21, 2025
Show notes
A collaboration episode! Chops podcast has been making a splash in the Band world, so we decided to team up to create this “comparing of notes” on teaching choir vs. band. Available on both podcasts!
In this engaging conversation between Chris of the Choralosophy Podcast and Jack Hinkle of Chops Podcast, the two veteran educators explore their respective journeys in music education, the challenges they face in teaching band and choir, and the importance of fostering a supportive and engaging classroom environment. They discuss the significance of music literacy, the role of technology in education, and the emotional connections that music creates among students. The conversation also highlights the value of collaboration between band and choir educators, emphasizing the need for both groups to learn from each other to enhance their teaching practices.
The importance of knowing your content, teaching, and students.
Teaching methods differ significantly between band and choir, but crucial understandings can be shared!
Singing is crucial for developing musical skills in band.
Music literacy is essential for student success in both band and choir.
Technology can enhance music education and student engagement.
Creating a safe environment encourages student participation.
Find Chops in all of the same places you find Choralosophy! YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and any other place podcasts are found!
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.
Jack Hinkle is a band director at Concord High School in Elkhart, Indiana. At Concord, Jack assists the marching band, directs a concert band, two curricular jazz bands, and an after school jazz band, in addition to teaching class piano and AP Music Theory. When not teaching or playing trumpet, Jack can be found working on his music-education podcast, “Chops” or out on a run.
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 240: First, Do No Harm with Megan Farison
Mar 14, 2025
Show notes
Grooming isn’t always obvious. It’s a gradual process that can occur in many forms. Educators have a special responsibility to keep our spaces safe.
Power imbalances in schools can create dangerous situations, and veteran music teacher and voice coach Megan Farison knows this firsthand. In this episode, she shares her deeply personal journey through the complex realities of teacher-student relationships—how grooming happens, why boundaries matter, and what educators can do to create safer learning environments.
We discuss:
How grooming can occur subtly in student-teacher dynamics
Why power and influence must be carefully managed in education
The long-term effects of boundary violations in schools
Why open conversations about safety and ethics are critical
Megan also introduces her book, Dissonance, which explores her experiences and the broader implications of inappropriate relationships in educational spaces. This is an essential episode for educators, parents, and students alike.
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.
Megan is a voice coach and choir director of nearly twenty years, having held positions at the elementary, secondary, and collegiate level. Her energetic teaching style incorporates a blend of vocal and choral pedagogy that empowers the individual singer as well as the ensemble. She has served as a district manager for Michigan School Vocal Music Association (MSVMA), Secretary of ACDA-Michigan, and President of the Central Michigan University Alumni Choir Association.
Megan is the Artistic Director and Founder of the Lux Women’s Choir (based in Midland, Michigan), and she hosts the podcast Sing, Coach, Conduct, which is currently in its third season. She is the author of the memoir, “Dissonance,” a deeply personal account of grooming and educator sexual abuse. Her mission is to raise awareness about abuses of power, in order to prevent educator sexual misconduct and protect potential targets of grooming and abuse.
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
RyanMain.com is now expanding to a family of composers! Visit endeavormusicpublishing.com and of course, enter Choralosophy at checkout for a 10% discount!
00:00 Megan’s Journey to Music Education 02:08 The Impact of Teacher-Student Relationships 05:04 Megan’s Personal Experience with Grooming 08:06 Understanding Grooming and Its Implications 10:53 The Realization of Abuse 14:03 The Complexity of Manipulation 16:58 Power Imbalances in Relationships 20:00 Navigating Trust and Safety 23:11 Stages of Grooming 24:32 Normalizing Inappropriate Behavior in Education 27:10 The Importance of Boundaries in Teacher-Student Relationships 29:32 Recognizing the Complexity of Student-Teacher Attraction 34:40 The Dangers of Favoritism and Emotional Manipulation 41:33 Creating a Safe Learning Environment 48:02 The Role of Accountability in Preventing Abuse 53:58 The Journey of Writing ‘Dissonance’ and Its Impact
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