Episode 258: Crafting Identity Through Music with Shruthi Rajasekar

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… 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 … Continue reading "The First Days of Choir Part 6: Installing a Personhood Curriculum"

“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 … Continue reading "Episode 258: Crafting Identity Through Music with Shruthi Rajasekar"

Even when all the plans are best laid, we sometimes miss. How do we reflect and redirect before we lose the whole school year? 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, … Continue reading "The First Days of Choir Part 5: Voicing, Reflecting and Redirecting"

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 … Continue reading "Episode 257: Music is My Language with Ananya Venkateswaran"

A an honorary addition to the “First Days of Choir Series” could not have been more serendipitous. 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 … Continue reading "Episode 256: Teaching Expression from Day One with Craig Hurley and Rebecca Atkins"

“In an effective classroom, students should not only know what they are doing, they should also know why and how.”- Harry Wong. 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 … Continue reading "The First Days of Choir Part 4: Repertoire with Intent"

“Assessment continues learning,” -Harry Wong. When we are making decisions about what gets “graded” it is important first to decide, “what is crucial?” This list might be different for all of us. But if it isn’t crucial, don’t grade it. Audience members Bruce Rockwell, Chy Billings and Laura Huizinga feature some of their “First Days” … Continue reading "The First Days of Choir Part 3: The Feedback Cyle"

We often say we value diverse voices in the choral world, but programming habits don’t always reflect that. What are the biggest structural or cultural barriers still keeping women composers under-programmed? We say we want a more inclusive choral canon—but for too long, women composers have been treated like a sidebar or a “special item … Continue reading "Episode 255: Uncovering the Overlooked with Hilary Apfelstadt and Alan Davis"

“It could be dangerous to teach the way you were taught.”-Harry Wong. Research is not something only scientists do. Businesspeople do research; so do baseball players, chefs, plumbers, lawyers, dentists, artists, and actors. Students, when they write term papers, do research. To search and search and search, over and over again. That is why it … Continue reading "The First Days of Choir Part 2: The Power of Infrastructure"

“You will be able to be successful, because what we do here works.” Day 1 is when the indoctrination begins. You heard it here. We ARE indoctrinating students… into believing that they can sing and be GOOD at it. This begins on the first day of school. Harry and Rosemary Wong literally “wrote the book” … Continue reading "The First Days of Choir Part 1: Introduction and Day 1"