[The views expressed in this blog are from my personal experiences from 25 years of leading non-auditioned community Choirs in the UK, as well as adult singing workshops. My focus is on teaching by ear using a repertoire of songs from traditions across th...

Greetings to all SSAA Choirs and conductors,   Are you on the lookout for an extraordinary piece that will elevate your choir's repertoire and leave an indelible mark on your audience? As a composer deeply passionate about choral music, I've always...

One of the most common mistakes that choruses and Choirs make when they create their websites is also one of the most obvious 'doh' moments possible.  It's so obvious that you might not even think of it, but it's surprising how many websites are mis...

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   I often get people writing to me for advice about Choirs. Some of them don’t agree with the direction their choir leader is taking them, some ...

In this special Oxford Series episode, I catch Dr. Zanaida Robles for a conversation about her philosophy as a composer, as well as the way all of her musical and personal identities mingle to create a context for her music making. We discuss the composit...  moreIn this special Oxford Series episode, I catch Dr. Zanaida Robles for a conversation about her philosophy as a composer, as well as the way all of her musical and personal identities mingle to create a context for her music making. We discuss the compositional process, including the philosophy she holds related to the "end product" for singers. Namely, the importance of the singers exploring their own communities and connections WHILE also exploring the music. We also bounce ideas back and forth related to composers having to be careful about "over refining" a composition, as well as the music world's attempt to balance goals of equity with the human need for each composer to be valued based on their OWN music and individual expression. You won't want to miss this conversation!If you enjoy this content, please consider supporting the show at http://www.patreon.com/choralosophy for as little as 3$ a month AND receive subscriber only content there. Please support our sponsors by checking out these sites. Be su  less

Go Forth on your journey, Movement 8 of Requiem aeternam by UK Composer Tim Knight

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir] [NB this post is about UK copyright laws. Although the situation will be similar in other countries, the various copyright and performing rights agencies a...

[this is a version of a post which first appeared on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   I used to lead a women’s singing group. We tried a Bob Marley song once. One of the singers used to say: “If it sounds like the Women’s In...

The Gesualdo Six are a vocal sextet specialising in the performance of renaissance polyphony, directed by Owain Park. The ensemble is made up of undergraduates and graduates of Cambridge University, and currently the Choirs of King’s, St John’s and Trinit...  moreThe Gesualdo Six are a vocal sextet specialising in the performance of renaissance polyphony, directed by Owain Park. The ensemble is made up of undergraduates and graduates of Cambridge University, and currently the Choirs of King’s, St John’s and Trinity colleges are represented. Recent concerts have included performances of Gesualdo’s Tenebrae Responsories for Maundy Thursday (Feria Quinta), Monteverdi madrigals and anthems by Byrd. The ensemble has also performed music by Ligeti, Rheinberger and arrangements by Philip Lawson. Future engagements include a lunchtime concert in the Cambridge St John’s Music Festival, as well as concerts at Jesus and Caius colleges.  less

[The views expressed in this blog are from my personal experiences from 25 years of leading non-auditioned community Choirs in the UK, as well as adult singing workshops. My focus is on teaching by ear using a repertoire of songs from traditions across th...