Episode 264: Education’s Race to the Bottom of the Brain Stem

The Choral Music Art form, AND the economics of the art form are changing. That makes some people uncomfortable. But, others, like Jocelyn and Tim are driving their fair share of that innovation. Jocelyn Hagan and Tim Takach, co-owners of Graphite Publishing, discuss their journey in the choral music industry, the evolution of their publishing … Continue reading "Episode 270: Balancing Tradition with Innovation with Jocelyn Hagen and Timothy C. Takach"

Possibly the most important philosophical divide in music education, and we rarely discuss it outside of echo chambers. A deep dive into the claim that Classical Music is “hegemonic” or dominant. Some music academics operate as if “classical music” sits at the center of cultural power, imposing itself on everyone else in an oppressive way … Continue reading "Episode 269: “Classical” Music: An Endangered Species"

There are some fascinating philosophical divides in Music Education. And we don’t discuss them enough. What does “inclusive” music education really look like? Shane Colqohoun is an instrumental music educator who possesses a rare super power. He can recognize areas where he both agrees AND disagrees with the philosophies of others, and is not scared … Continue reading "Episode 268: More Music for More Students with Shane Colquhoun"

Young teachers bailing from the classroom within the first 5 years is an epidemic. Many things contribute to this, but one factor is the expectations young teachers bring in. Are they always realistic? Mitch is a young conductor and teacher who believes, in his own words, “that he sucks dog-water” at teaching. So, two years … Continue reading "Episode 267: The Choir Teacher that Sucks with Mitch Al-Ubaidi"

“We need to go beyond compliance in evaluations.” How many teachers experience administration in their classroom for the purpose of understanding their day to day, rather than to check a box? Justin Baeder advocates a different approach. “Tradition often hinders innovation in education.” Teacher evaluations not only create unproductive incentives, but rarely result in meaningful, … Continue reading "Episode 266: Leading with Intention with Dr. Justin Baeder"

Hey I didn’t say it… But some think it. We are Better Conversation Activists here. And this episode is a CALL TO ACTION! I want to hear from you about what topics you want next in year 7! In this episode, we call for YOU to be more vocal in the platform’s discussion, and discuss … Continue reading "Episode 265: What’s Next for the Most Dangerous Choir Podcast?"

I did not coin this phrase. I borrowed from former Google Exec Tristan Harris. Social media companies are trying to outcompete the others for attention by appealing to ever more primal drives, dragging human cognition “down the brain stem” instead of cultivating critical thought. Is Education falling into the same trap? On Facebook, X and … Continue reading "Episode 264: Education’s Race to the Bottom of the Brain Stem"

‘If we see that this is a beneficial thing for our kids, then that’s my burden of responsibility as a parent to make sure that my kids are doing that regardless of the amount of whining or complaining to the contrary.” In this conversation, Marianne Forman shares her journey as a composer and musician, discussing … Continue reading "Episode 263: Parents As Key Players in Music Education with Marianne Forman"

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! This episode is sourced from a recent professional development I gave for Wentzville, … Continue reading "Episode 262: How to Avoid Making Our Singers Worse"

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 … Continue reading "Episode 261: The Art of Programming with Jo-Michael Scheibe"