Podcasts can be a great way to fit in professional development while you are on the go.
1) Afternoon Ti. A music educator and lifestyle podcast. Host Jessica Grant is a middle school music educator certified in Orff-Schelwerk, Kodaly, and has some training in Dalcroze. Most of the topics focus on ideas for the general music classroom, but Jessica features specialized episodes for choral music educators. Many of the ideas in the general music podcasts can be applied to the chorus classroom. Jessica published a book called The Afternoon Ti Guide to Teaching Music with an accompanying journal you can purchase at F-Flat Books or Amazon. Average release schedule: weekly Average episode length: 30 minutes
2) The Choir Chronicles. Two middle school choral directors, Clinton Hardy and Jodi Coke (The Choir Queen), inspire other middle school choral directors. Conversations and advice stem from their personal experiences in the middle school classroom. Average release schedule: weekly Average episode length: 40 minutes
3) Choir Director Corner Podcast. Matt Walker’s podcast is only one facet of his community-based approach to choir director support and training. Matt gives strategies you can apply directly to your choral classroom. In addition to the podcast, there is a Facebook page and group, Choir Director Corner, and a website, ChoirDirectorCorner.com. Matt’s website offers a “Community Membership” that features access to online courses, group coaching calls, and a private Facebook Community. Average release schedule: two episodes per month Average episode length: 30 minutes
4) Choral Catalogue. Host Matthew Van Dyke is a high school choir director. He highlights choral repertoire for high school and middle school choral directors. The episodes bring in a variety of composers and choral directors to discuss pieces and teaching tips. Average release schedule: two episodes per month Average episode length: 50 minutes
5) Choral Connectivity: A People-First Approach to Singing. Kirsten Oberoi interviews choral composers, conductors, authors, entrepreneurs, internet influencers, and professors, opening conversations about choral ensembles that prioritize people. Kristen believes beautiful music comes from people who feel connected. New episodes have not been released in a few months (as of this writing) Average episode length: 50 minutes
6) Choralosophy. Chris Munce has an impressive lineup of episodes featuring some of the most well-known composers, conductors, and pedagogues in choral music education. With over 100 episodes, a wide range of topics within choral “philosophy” are discussed. Each of the conversations is summarized in a newsletter sent to subscribers bimonthly. Visit choralosophy.com for more information. Average release schedule: weekly Average episode length: 60 minutes
7) Conduct(her). Sisters Kyra Stahr and McKenna Stenson interview various female teachers, conductors, and composers in the music world with a mission of “amplifying female voices on the podium.” Most guests are choral conductors such as Dr. Amanda Quist and Dr. Brittney Boykin. Average release schedule: weekly Average episode length: 60 minutes
8) Early Music Monday. Host Kameron Kavanaugh is the artistic director and founder of the professional chamber choir, Sound of Ages, which focuses on performing early music. With the chamber choir and this podcast, Kameron hopes to make historical music relevant to both singers and audience members. It features interviews with conductors, educators, and musicologists discussing why early music is important to them. Each episode features a composer profile and music accessible to choirs of all skill levels. New episodes have not been released in a few months (as of this writing) Average episode length: 45 minutes
9) Music (ed) Matters. Dr. Emily Burch brings her enthusiastic and bubbly personality to this podcast made for “music lovers, educators, and choir members.” Emily is primarily a choral conductor, but with this podcast, she takes a general approach to music education, appealing to music educators of all types. Her book with Alex Gartner, The Business of Choir: A Choral Leader’s Guide for Organizational Growth, is available from GIA Publishing. Average release schedule: weekly Average episode length: 45 minutes
10) Music Mindfully Podcast. Aliah Elliot, a Canadian voice teacher, focuses on mindfulness for musicians. Some topics discussed are performance anxiety, self-doubt, burnout, and rejection. This is a podcast that can benefit both your choir members and yourself. Average release schedule: weekly Average episode length: 30 minutes
11) Rhapsody in Black. In these short episodes, choral conductor Tesfa Wondemagegnehu explores classical music that is “aesthetically and uncompromisingly Black.” Each episode dives into history discussing Black musicians’ impact on the classical music genre. Episodes can be found on YourClassical MPR and all major podcast platforms. Average release schedule: weekly Average episode length: 5 minutes
12) The Score. Describes itself as an “urban music education podcast.” Hosts Eric Jimenez and Justin McLean, high school band directors, have conversations about compassionate and culturally responsive music education. While some episodes are specific to band, many others have broad topics with experts from other fields in music education. Most of the conversations are important and relevant across all sects of music education. Some topics include identity in music education, redefining success, avoiding burnout, white fragility in music education, and anti-racist teaching. Average release schedule: two episodes per month Average episode length: 60 minutes
Reprinted from ChorTeach with permission from ACDA
