“The School Choral Program: Philosophy, Planning, Organizing and Teaching”

Written by Michele Holt and James Mark Jordan

Chapter 1: The Lifelong Impact of the Choral Experience: Philosophy of Teaching Styles
Written by Melissa Arasi
Presentation by Douglas Ritcher
MUED 376
Why Teach Choral Music?
- Many people gain valuable experiences through choir programs even if they do not pursue music.
- This chapter tries to decipher what students learn academically in class as well as what ways choir prepares
them for and improves their lives.
What the Research Tells Us
- Value in choral experiences is shown through people pursuing the experience later in life through
community choirs
- Being involved in arts education develops higher level thinking which indirectly improves academic
achievement. It also results in greater involvement in school. BUT, these are long term effects; arts slowly
help improve other skills.
Key Aspects of a Successful Choral Teacher and Program
- Teachers:
1. Teach for metacognition
2. Balance praise and criticism
3. Communicate expectations
4. Set clear goals
5. Have much knowledge of the discipline
6. Maintain strong discipline
7. Structure the student’s learning
8. Move the lesson at a brisk pace
9. Provide feedback and correction regularly
10. Have a warm personality and personal interest in the students
11. Are enthusiastic
12. Love Music
- Identifying balance between job as a teacher and conductor
- 80% who we are 20% curriculum
Philosophical Thought
- Philosophy of focusing on critical thinking and creative development
- Philosophy changes as we teach, as it should!
Looking for a Philosophy of Education
- Many views, read up! Also, incorporate values like curiosity, self-confidence, ability to make connections
Goals and Aims of Music Education
- Can be focused on intrinsic value (only music) or extrinsic value (music’s effects)
- Ask, who are you teaching?
Case Study of a Choral Program
- Looking at former students from a large high school choir program. None are professional musicians.
Themes
- Taking pride in pursuing excellence
- Excellence as a performer, thinker and critic
- Chorus as a social experience
- Students feeling positive and “cool”
- Understanding importance of social life
- Chorus as personal growth
- Character building
- Confidence
- Social Skills