PODCAST · education
Choralosophy
by Christopher M Munce
This page is dedicated to driving a conversation for choral musicians with the PHILOSOPHY of Choral Music at the heart of every post and podcast episode. Topics will be wide ranging from the technical aspects of our jobs and careers all the way to the artistic interpretations and values that make us who we are as artists. Join me in this conversation in which I hope we can learn from each other.
Episodes
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Episode 311: If They Don’t Know, We Didn’t Teach
The most cited book in education was written for Brazilian adult literacy. Now we use it to build theories to teach American seven-year-olds. The tip of the iceberg of America’s educational decline. Students are struggling in 2026. Standards are decreasing. Pedagogy has gotten worse over the last...
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Episode 310: Drawing Your Line in the Sand on AI in the Classroom with Dale Duncan
What happens when a choir director with thirty years in the classroom builds an AI app trained on his experience? His own teachers’ Facebook group turns on him for it. Does he deserve it? Every time I open Facebook lately, some music teacher has a brand-new AI app to sell me. Dale Duncan is no …...
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Episode 309: Cross-Training For Singers with Dr. Nicholas Perna
A singer trained in only one style is leaving half their instrument unbuilt. We hear a bright, forward, Broadway sound walk into the rehearsal room and reach for the same correction every time. But what if that instinct is the problem? She belts in musical practice after school and sings…
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Episode 308: It’s Just Intonation After All with Ross W. Duffin
What if the piano — the instrument sitting in every choir room in America — is quietly teaching your singers to sing out of tune? I rehearse a cappella. From the first day of rehearsal to the final product, no piano. I’ve been saying it for years, and I catch heat for it. So when … Continue…
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Episode 307: Education is Individual. Ensembles are not
Real music literacy isn’t about robotic, first-time perfection. Here is how to create individualized leveled readers that meet every singer right where they are. If you think back to elementary school, or when your own kids were young, you probably remember them bringing home leveled reading…
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Episode 306: Why “What Works for Me?” is the Wrong Question for Teachers
ACTUAL student-centered education occurs when we design our classes, pedagogies and assessments around individual student skill attainment. The calculation of “what works” cannot simply boil down to teacher preference. One of the most common things you hear at music education conferences is the...
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Episode 305: An Invitation to Connection with Jennifer Lucy Cook
What happens when a choral piece becomes so wildly popular that choir directors start refusing to program it? We like to tell ourselves that our repertoire choices are based on objective artistic standards… …but all too often, artists fall into a familiar trap: the moment a piece captures the...
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Episode 304: You Are the Thing That Teaches with James Jordan
What if we’ve been approaching Music Ed and Conducting backwards? Dr. Jordan suggests, that “the first course in music ed shouldn’t be methods. It should be a semester of learning who you are—because that’s what actually reaches students.” Why is it that two conductors can give the exact same...
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Episode 303: The Tool to Build the Tools-“The Workbench”
This week, I am sharing an excerpt from a live webinar I recently hosted breaking down how I actually use Sight Reading Factory in the classroom every day to build confident, independent musicians. If you have spent any time around this show, you know I believe deeply in getting the piano out of...
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Episode 302: Revisiting the Vibrato Question
Back in episode 146, Dr. Jennaya Robison and I had a great discussion about the tension (pun intended) around vibrato vs. non vibrato aesthetics, physiology and acoustics in choral music. Recently, we posted a clip from that show and it blew up. Let’s just say, the algorithm anointed it with oil...
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Episode 301: Is it Competition? Or Comparison? with Dr. Francis Cathlina
An episode born from comment section of one of my social media videos. I was sharing my perspective on finding a middle ground when it comes to competition in music education, and my guest today left a comment that caught my eye, mentioning that her own views on artistic competition had recently...
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Episode 300: The Reason Boys Don’t Sing (That we don’t like to talk about…)
Three years ago, I released an episode that got me called the “Joe Rogan of Choir Podcasts.” I was branded a “men’s rights advocate,” and I watched a non-trivial portion of the choral community throw up their hands in collective outrage or disbelief. What was my controversial crime? I dared to...
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Episode 299: Organizing Your Choir for Day 1
Over the last 2 summers, Choralosophy has been focused on teacher and conductor preparation for the day their singers walk in for the first time. What does it mean to really be “ready?” Summer vacation is important, but preparation is peace of mind. This short episode will simply summarize the...
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Episode 298: You Can’t Please Everyone All the Time with Russell Scott
There is nothing better than seeing development—watching someone start at the bottom level and, through time and dedication, step onto a stage and realize what they are truly capable of. No matter what your choir’s starting point, it is GROWTH that keeps the members coming back. Welcome to a...
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Episode 297: Give Them Tools and Let Them Build Part 6 (Tracking Data For Growth)
“We keep data on students, not because we need to measure if they good enough. It’s how we as teachers measure if WE are good enough.” If I can’t show you what they have learned, how can I be sure I am doing a good job? In many educational settings, choral music exists as a … Continue reading...
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Episode 296: How to Make a Musician with Allison Wilkinson
Humans are a musical species. ALL humans. But, many move through their music education without realizing it. We are putting the most vulnerable part of the brain in the hands of overworked people. And that is a problem. Emotionally Intelligent Music Instruction can be part of the solution. This...
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Episode 295: Give Them Tools and Let Them Build Part 5 (Vocal Freedom and Function)
In part five we are dive into the importance of a simple to understand system of vocal instruction for groups of beginners. Many choir teachers say “I am the only voice teacher many of my kids will ever have.” While true in one sense, a choir class is NOT a voice lesson. Voice lessons are …...
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Episode 294: Reopening the All State Debate. Sight read, or nah? with David Ritschard
We are revisiting a topic today to bring in more perspectives. Dave Ritschard teaches choir in Alabama, where they are considering ADDING sight reading to the All State Choir audition. Dave is opposed. Today, we are diving headfirst into a hot-button topic that recently blew up on Facebook: what…
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Car Thoughts: Programming Considerations with Chantae Pittman and Clelyn Chapin
How do you choose your repertoire? Is it the same rubric for every choir? Or does it vary? What’s on your list? Enjoy this short, bonus episode where I was able to squeeze in a short discussion on choral programming with the two guest clinicians at the Kantorei KC Summer Choral Institute. Dr....
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Episode 293: Middle School is JUST The Right Age for Rigor with Ryan Lindley
What happens when you look at your choir’s packed performance schedule and realize you’ve been teaching the repertoire, but not the actual skills? But aren’t middle school kids too young for a rigorous choir class experience? Besides, won’t it drive them away if we don’t make it an easy A with…
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Episode 292: How to Be A Choir Coach with Gary Seighman
Have you ever noticed that good pedagogy and the perfect methodology only goes so far? The job of a teacher, conductor or a coach is a complicated cocktail with almost infinitely changing ingredients. The main variables can be found within the groups themselves. In this episode, I’m sitting down...
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Episode 291: Wrestling With AI in the Arts with Beth Philemon
Should would we reject AI, or embrace it? Or maybe neither? Like all new technologies, there will be problems. Early adopters, and late ones, and some that NEVER get on board. In what areas can AI tools help artists and educators be better at their jobs? But also, which AI tools are a genuine...
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Episode 290: Ethical Choral Gatekeeping with Samuel Grace
Is there even such a thing as “Ethical Gatekeeping?” In modern discourse, the term seems to always be a negative. Maybe some gates need a keeper. Today’s conversation hits incredibly close to home as we pull back the curtain on power dynamics, public perception, and the hidden structures that...
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Episode 289: Voice Change Isn’t Just for Adolescents with Joanne Bozeman
This episode is GUEST HOSTED by Beth Munce! Our voices continue to change through our lives. This can affect us as directors, but also the singers under our charge. One of the most tumultuous vocal changes outside of the famous “boy in puberty” is the woman’s voice in Perimenopause and Menopause....
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Episode 288: When we are Forced to Choose…
Between process or performance. Between our philosophy and our job. Between what’s best for kids and what our colleagues want How do we navigate the conundrum of a performance based institutional system with the “slower at first” tools based philosophy that we know is best for long term growth?…
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Episode 287: Give Them Tools and Let Them Build Part 4 (Rhythm)
Part Four are the rhythm tools: Rap the words, Takadimi, count singing. Each have their roles, and particular problems that they help to solve. In this episode, peek into some rehearsals where students demonstrate their tool selection and application. Beat is felt in the body, constructed in the...
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Episode 286: Give Them Tools and Let Them Build Part 3 (Pitch)
Part Three is the Solfége or Pitch tool: Give Them Tools and Let Them Build is based on a premise. We are not the music makers. Our students are. So, are we teaching them songs? Or the tools used to build songs? So, what do we do if the students don’t know what the pitches … Continue reading...
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Episode 285: Teach Choir Like Band. And Band Like Choir with Matthew Arau
What can vocal and instrumental music education learn from each other? At what point does specialization become uneccessary siloing of what should be a “music ‘education” profession? Matthew Arau is the guest. Yes… ANOTHER band teacher… Back in January, I accidentally attended Matthew’s session…
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Episode 284: Is the Ensemble Model Outdated? With Kevin Droe
I’ve said for a long time that music education is at a crossroads—but depending on who you ask, we’re either evolving… or we’re missing the point entirely. Are traditional school music programs—band, choir, orchestra—reaching enough students? And if not, why? There’s a growing narrative in music...
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Episode 283: Beyond the Buzzwords Live at SWACDA
A one of a kind event happened at this year’s convention of the Southwest Region of American Choral Directors. We gathered a panel of thoughtful professionals and an inquisitive crowd of colleagues and had an “unsafe” conversation in public. And what do you know? No one threw tomatoes! Are we...
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Episode 282: Music Literacy is MORE Than Pushing Buttons
Among the more misunderstood, mischaracterized, and confusing topics discussed on this show is Literacy. What is it? What is it not? It’s time to include a wider lens here beyond vocal and elementary general classrooms. Instrumental music has its own pitfalls. Let’s compare notes. Rethinking…
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Episode 281: Give Them Tools and Let Them Build Part 2
Part Two of a New Series: Give Them Tools and Let Them Build is based on a premise. We are not the music makers. Our students are. So, are we teaching them songs? Or the tools used to build songs? Who is the hardest working person in your classroom? Spoiler alert: it should NOT be … Continue...
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Episode 280: Give Them Tools and Let Them Build Part 1
The First Part of a New Series: Give Them Tools and Let Them Build is based on a premise. We are not the music makers. Our students are. So, are we teaching them songs? Or the tools used to build songs? Who is the hardest working person in your classroom? Spoiler alert: it should NOT … Continue...
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Episode 279: Music Ed Podcasts From the Research Perspective with Theresa Hoover
Is a podcast “real PD?” Is it a trustworthy source of information? What are the best ways to use one? What are the worst? Why do music educators listen? In this conversation, Theresa Hoover, a music educator and researcher who advocates for “passing the baton” to students through a book and…
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Episode 278: 7 Years of Choralosophy from BEHIND the Mic
Seven years ago, Choralosophy was an experiment. Today, it’s a career. It is a job, no different than your job, albeit a bit more public. Today is the show’s 7th birthday. Here is what I’ve learned: As I hit this milestone, I’ve been reflecting on how the landscape of “online work” has…
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Episode 277: Structured Classrooms are Safer with Kevin Lackie
An important distinction for young teachers: we want our students to view our class as safe, free and open. But, in order to do this, there must be an “operating system” running in the background. A clearly defined structure, procedures, and yes, rules. (Clutches pearls.) In this conversation,...
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Episode 276: Your Program Depends on the “Beginners” with Bruce Rockwell
It can be so tempting for ensemble music directors to fall into a kind of tunnel vision where all roads lead to the “top group” or most advanced ensemble. After all, they are often the ones able to showcase the “culmination” of what our program can do. But this must not be done at the … Continue...
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Episode 275: The Duality of HBCU Musicians with Dr. Craig Robertson
As much as we would love it to not be the case, Americans still see Black Musicians and make certain assumptions. Black Choir? It must be gospel? Black Band? It must be high steppers and baton twirlers. The issue is not these proud musical traditions. The issue is the box that stereotypes put...
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Episode 274: Work Less Hard than Your Students
When I scroll around the internet, I see more and more examples of great choir rehearsals going on around the world. It’s an exciting time to be a member of this profession! But, it also gives me a sense of how hard we all are working to get sound out of kids. Do we need … Continue reading…
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Episode 273: Applying the Whole Language of Music
Pedagogy, it could be argued, is a meaningless academic fantasy if it isn’t proficiently applied. In music, we can do all of the “right” methods. Solfege, Takadimi, count singing etc. But, does it matter if they can’t use it to make music? In this next iteration of the “The First Days of Choir,”...
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Episode 272: In Service of a Singing Culture with Tori Longdon
Sometimes as performing artists, we are hyper focused on “the polished finished product.” Tori Longdon creates stunning finished products, but along the way, she is letting people in to see how the sausage is made in warm ups. And people LOVE it. Maybe there is something important there. An…
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How to have “The Perfect Choir”and 2025 Top 10!
Don’t you love it when everything about a performance, and it’s preparation is completely perfect?! Well, it must be nice for you… I am pretty sure this does not exist. But, we can pretend with this new epic poem, “The Perfect Choir.” In this episode, we reflect on the year 2025 and its most...
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Episode 271: Responding to the Challenge in Education with Clelyn Chapin
“Education’s Race to the Bottom of the Brainstem,” episode 264 generated a lot of discussion. But, none more productive than this one. This week’s guest did it right. She listened, and let me know that more needs to be said on this. “Can I chime in?” Enter, Dr. Clelyn Chapin Dr. Chapin, a…
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Episode 270: Balancing Tradition with Innovation with Jocelyn Hagen and Timothy C. Takach
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...
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Episode 269: “Classical” Music: An Endangered Species
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...
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Episode 268: More Music for More Students with Shane Colquhoun
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...
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Episode 267: The Choir Teacher that Sucks with Mitch Al-Ubaidi
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…
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Episode 266: Leading with Intention with Dr. Justin Baeder
“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...
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Episode 265: What’s Next for the Most Dangerous Choir Podcast?
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…
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Episode 264: Education’s Race to the Bottom of the Brain Stem
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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
This page is dedicated to driving a conversation for choral musicians with the PHILOSOPHY of Choral Music at the heart of every post and podcast episode. Topics will be wide ranging from the technical aspects of our jobs and careers all the way to the artistic interpretations and values that make us who we are as artists. Join me in this conversation in which I hope we can learn from each other.
HOSTED BY
Christopher M Munce
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Choralosophy have?
Choralosophy currently has 377 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Choralosophy about?
This page is dedicated to driving a conversation for choral musicians with the PHILOSOPHY of Choral Music at the heart of every post and podcast episode. Topics will be wide ranging from the technical aspects of our jobs and careers all the way to the artistic interpretations and values that make...
How often does Choralosophy release new episodes?
Choralosophy publishes regularly with 377 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Choralosophy?
You can listen to Choralosophy on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Choralosophy?
Choralosophy is created and hosted by Christopher M Munce.
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