Episode 221: Authentically South African with Michael Barrett

2024 comes to a close this week! What a ride its been. This episode features highlights of YOUR favorite episodes of the year, as well as a preview of a new Choralosophy Community blog advocating for a possibly new way of viewing “Merit” and “Rigor” in music education. The top episode of the year was … Continue reading "Episode 229: 2024 Year in Review. HIGHLIGHTS!"

Fads like “learning styles,” “restorative justice,” “inquiry based learning” and more, versus Cognitive Load Theory, Explicit Instruction etc. Marcie Samayoa’s experience as an ESL/immigrant student has shaped her view on teaching at risk American kids. in this episode, I’m joined by Marcie Samayoa—a dedicated chemistry teacher and passionate advocate for evidence-based education. We tackle some … Continue reading "Episode 228: Skip the Education Fads and Stick With What Works with Marcie Samayoa"

The “Classical” or Concert Music tradition has traditionally relied on a nobility or an institution for funding. This is a challenge in our modern world that has seen such a massive boom of popular and commercial genres, that reject this model. Where does that leave us today? I sit down with Samuel Andreyev—a brilliant composer, … Continue reading "Episode 227: The Age of Fine Arts Icons is Over with Samuel Andreyev"

One of the core functions of a choir director or vocal music educator is to teach people to love and understand their voice. This episode is the latest addition to the Choralosophy Vocal Pedagogy Suite. Voice teacher David Jones joins me this week to discuss some tips, approaches and even some exercises and language to … Continue reading "Episode 226: Breaking Down Vocal Ped with David Jones"

Nothing we do as choral singers, directors teachers, music appreciators and consumers would be possible without the “garden” that grows our young musicians in elementary school. Music as a language grows best in the early years. Let’s water the garden. This week, Elementary general music and choir director, Chy Billings from Olathe, KS joins me … Continue reading "Episode 225: Growing Young Musicians in Elementary Music with Chy Billings"

We have had an influx of new listeners, subscribers and Curious George’s to the show over the last week. Welcome! This program began in February of 2019, and contains some mission and values episodes from early on, but boy howdy has it grown and changed since then. In this short episode, I will take listeners … Continue reading "Episode 224: What the Heck Even is this Show?"

I plan to keep it is short as possible. Presenting what I see as three categories of this controversy ranging from legit criticisms I need to seriously consider, to misunderstandings to things that just aren’t true. This weekend an argument or debate of sorts erupted on a post of mine on my personal FB page. … Continue reading "Addressing Concerns From Equity Sings about Choralosophy"

The quest to advocate for music education as integral to all stages of human life, continues on Choralosophy. I am excited to welcome Dr. Peju Simoyan, an addiction medicine physician with a fascinating musical journey. Growing up in a Nigerian diplomatic family, Dr. Simoyan has always held a passion for music, even with limited formal … Continue reading "Episode 223: Music As Healthcare with Dr. Olapeju Simoyan"

“Filling in the Gaps,” simply refers to a premise I believe we should consider: 1. No Theory gets it all right. 2. All good theories get SOMETHING right. 3. We should be focused on filling in the gaps in Music Education Are you an Gordon MLT devotée? A Kodály-guy? A Tonic Solfa Curwenator? How about … Continue reading "Episode 222: Why Your Favorite Music Ed Theory May Be Wrong"

The music of South Africa is not unlike its people. It is built on layers. Layers of complexity, all rich with meaning, and difficult to understand from the outside. Michael Barrett loves his country and its music. His work proves it. I have long been a fan of Michael Barrett, as well as an admirer … Continue reading "Episode 221: Authentically South African with Michael Barrett"