The Choral Art: The complexity of the art of ensemble singing is one which is often underestimated. As conductors, we ask our singers not only to sing accurately and with good tone, but to do so exactly in response to our gestured indications. We ask them not merely to sing with accurate intonation, but with a sophistication which often goes beyond the tempered system, all the while listening for balance with other sections and with singers in their own section. We expect each one to sing expressively, yet to balance their individual instincts with the shape asked of the ensemble as a whole. Therefore, . . .

Statement of Purpose: As conductors, we OWE it to our singers to provide clarity of instruction and gesture, and to come to every rehearsal well-considered in our scores. In short, we need to continually refine our skills as we seek to "play upon the choral instrument." Solid music training and strong abilities as a singer or instrumentalist provide a good background for the training of a conductor, but DO NOT, in and of themselves, provide all that is needed for excellence in the choral art. Choral conducting lessons focus on all aspects of the choral art, as needed in each individual student, and may involve on-sight observations with the conductor's own ensemble(s).

Student Qualification and Responsibility: In order to benefit from individual choral conducting lessons, a student must already possess a substantive musical background. Ideally, the student is active as a choral conductor at the time of study. It goes without saying that score study/analysis/preparation, and practice with the techniques covered is necessary for progress, and is expected.