How to Teach Music Lessons Online (+ Inside My Home Teaching Studio)

How to Teach Music Lessons Online (+ Inside My Home Teaching Studio)

A few weeks ago, I made the decision to keep my studio virtual this year.

Some schools are reopening here (with lots of precautions, staggered starts, alternating live and virtual days, etc.), including the school where I normally teach. I spent a lot of time this summer thinking about the in-person lesson experience and what that might look like:

Editorial: Meeting the Moment

Editorial: Meeting the Moment

I recently discovered a new docuseries called Dear…

Each episode features a well-known figure — Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, Aly Raisman, Jane Goodall, among others — and letters they’ve received from people changed or influenced by their work. The content of the letters is woven into a biographical narrative, providing greater insight into the main figure and the life they’ve led.

One of the people profiled is musician and writer Lin-Manuel Miranda, of Hamilton fame.

Handbell Music for Very Small Groups (6-8 Bells)

Handbell Music for Very Small Groups (6-8 Bells)

No one could have predicted what 2020 would look like. Who could have imagined the things church musicians around the world would find themselves doing this year?

  • Figuring out how to teach music via Zoom

  • Recording parts for home practice

  • Creating a virtual choir video of some sort

  • Navigating the world of online worship

  • Marking 6 feet of distance with masking tape

  • Reading research articles about aerosols and air ventilation

How Can We Keep From Singing?

How Can We Keep From Singing?

Has there ever been a moment in history when we were told we couldn’t sing?

For centuries (millenniums, even) we as a people have found singing to be a symbol of hope, community, and joy; a tool of reconciliation, justice, and peace. And now, in this season of isolation, we recognize that music can still bring us together even when we can’t be together.

But what about singing?

Now is the time we need music the most. And yet, we’re told that it’s not safe to sing together. That singing poses a greater risk than talking, whispering, or staying silent.

How will we respond to this moment?

50 (More!) Favorite Anthems for Children's Choir

50 (More!) Favorite Anthems for Children's Choir

Several years ago, I put together a list of my Top 50 Favorite Anthems for Children’s Choir.

But there are so many wonderful anthems out there for children’s voices, who can stop at 50?!

You know I can’t.

So today, I’m sharing the sequel you’ve all been waiting for: 50 more favorite anthems for children’s choir.

This list includes mostly unison and two-part music, with a few 3-part pieces for those of you with older elementary choirs and/or larger groups.

Music by Black Composers: Art Songs & Spirituals for Solo Voice

Music by Black Composers: Art Songs & Spirituals for Solo Voice

Over the last several weeks, I’ve been compiling repertoire lists by Black composers for use in worship and sacred settings. So far, I’ve published lists of sacred organ music, 2- and 3-part sacred choral anthems, and SATB sacred choral anthems.

Today, I’m sharing Part 4 in this series: art songs & spirituals for solo voice.

This list includes familiar spirituals and new compositions by composers such as Harry T. Burleigh, Edward Boatner, Undine Smith Moore, Rosephanye Powell, Uzee Brown, Jr., H. Leslie Adams, Florence Price, and many more.

Handbells in the Time of COVID-19

Handbells in the Time of COVID-19

It’s hard to believe it’s been almost four months since the COVID-19 pandemic swept through the United States (along with the rest of the world). In its wake, we watched as everything shut down, plans were canceled, and everyone stayed home.

Now that things are opening again (with new safety protocols and limitations in place), many music directors are turning their attention to the fall: Will we be able to gather in person again? If so, what will that look like?

Music by Black Composers: 108 Sacred Choral Anthems (SATB)

Music by Black Composers: 108 Sacred Choral Anthems (SATB)

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been compiling repertoire lists by Black composers for use in worship and sacred settings. So far, I’ve published lists of sacred organ music and 2- and 3-part sacred choral anthems.

This week, I’m excited to share Part 3 in this series: 108 sacred choral anthems for SATB choir.

This repertoire list includes familiar spirituals as well as new compositions by Black composers in the 20th and 21st centuries. You’ll find 40 sacred octavos and links to three SATB collections for a total of over 100 anthems to use with your choir in the future.

Digital Resources for Virtual Children's Choir Rehearsals

Digital Resources for Virtual Children's Choir Rehearsals

This year has brought some unprecedented challenges and the global pandemic has changed the way choirs and musical ensembles gather and make music together. Many choirs moved to online rehearsals this spring, using Zoom or Facebook Live to stay connected and try to continue making music the best they could. But with the technology we have available to us and unpredictable internet speeds at home, we’ve all learned that it’s really not possible to sing or play together in real-time.

Today, I’m sharing some helpful digital tools and resources that can be used in online choir rehearsals (synchronous or asynchronous) or in-person, if and when you’re able to return to that. You’ll find digital tools, game ideas, teaching strategies, and curriculum resources that were designed especially for distance-learning situations.

Music by Black Composers: 34 Sacred Choral Anthems (2- and 3-Part)

Music by Black Composers: 34 Sacred Choral Anthems (2- and 3-Part)

Last week, I shared the first post in a new series I’m putting together this summer: Music by Black Composers: 105 Sacred Works for Organ.

As I mentioned in that post, I believe it’s important to listen and learn from the African-American and Black community during this time, to ask ourselves: Are we honoring all the voices that have contributed to our field? Are we celebrating the diversity of composers in addition to diversity in styles?

If you work with a children’s choir or youth choir or are looking for a few simple pieces by Black composers to introduce to your adult choir in the future, here’s a list of anthems to get you started.