Trauma-Informed Choral Pedagogy
Session Abstract: This interactive presentation will provide a foundation for trauma-informed music teaching, including: common stigmas around trauma, relational power dynamics, resistance to addressing trauma, the importance of language, and student agency and empowerment. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration fourfold framework (realize, recognize, respond, and resist re-traumatizing) of trauma-sensitivity will be used to develop a trauma-informed choral pedagogy that can be tailored to diverse ensembles and styles of teaching. Attendees will garner specific strategies and rehearsal ideas that provide a collaborative, embodied approach to prioritize singers’ lived experiences and cultivate greater compassion and connectivity within the choral ensemble.
William Sauerland
Purdue University - Fort Wayne
William Sauerland (he/they) is an Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies at Purdue University - Fort Wayne. Dr. Sauerland is the author of the 2022 Rowman & Littlefield book “Queering Vocal Pedagogy: A Handbook for Teaching Trans and Genderqueer Singers and Fostering Gender-affirming Spaces” and numerous articles, including “Sound Teaching: Trauma-Informed Pedagogy in Choir (Choral Journal, 2021). As a choral and voice teacher, they have served on the faculties of San Francisco State University, Chabot College, Lick-Wilmerding High School, and the Pacific Boychoir. Sauerland holds degrees from Miami University, the Royal College of Music, and Columbia University.
Megan Durham
Megan Durham (she/her) is a singing voice specialist and trauma-informed voice care facilitator. She is a certified practitioner of Transcending Sexual Trauma Through Yoga, Movement For Trauma, YogaVoice®, and LifeForce Yoga®. Megan is a founding member of the Voice and Trauma Research and Connection Group, with colleagues Dr. Elisa Monti, Oliva Resto, and Heleen Grooten. She holds a MM in voice pedagogy and performance from Westminster Choir College of Rider University, and a BA in music from the University of Richmond. Megan has served on the voice faculties of DeSales University, Lehigh University, Moravian College, and Muhlenberg College.
