As choral music educators, it is important to find fresh inspiration for quality teaching. I would like to share three ways that help me find fresh inspiration.
1. Attend Professional Conferences
Being part of organizations such as the ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) and attending conferences, reading sessions, and workshops put on them, one can find much inspiration. Rubbing shoulders with fantastic music educators, musicians, and conductors alone is valuable, but throw in a masterclass, a reading session, and some fantastic concerts and one can be tremendously inspired. Positive interaction with high quality music gives a fresh reminder of why I chose this profession.
2. Study Repertoire
I am admittedly a repertoire geek. I enjoy pouring over scores of sheet music and looking for gems to teach to my choirs. When I find these gems, I become excited and motivated to share the music with my singers. I look for parts of the music that will be problematic, that will teach a concept, that will hopefully get the singers excited. Learning new music myself transfers into a desire to share it.
3. Get Out In Nature
Getting out in nature, seeing beautiful things, seeing interesting things, and just enjoying God's creation is refilling and inspiring. When I experience beauty in nature, besides recharging, I desire to share beauty in the rehearsal room. Perhaps the inspiration here is as much about recharging my energy for teaching, but I think both elements exist.
I wish you all great inspiration.
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