“Blend. Drop your jaw. Straight tone. Darker.” Most people have likely heard one of these phrases before in a choir, but do these ideas really help inexperienced singers? Due to the nature of the voice, it is the most abstract instrument. What terminology can we use to give clarity to singers that connects them in a relatable way and takes away some of the mystery? Choral Directors are the primary voice teachers for our singers. Are we teaching them the pedagogy behind their instrument in terms that are clear and concrete? Additionally, how can we bridge what can be a disconnect between singing in a choral ensemble and singing in applied lessons? By bringing concepts and skills from voice pedagogy into the choral rehearsal, conductors can better support their singers in their vocal development. This session will provide practical applications of how to teach singers to find and use their authentic voices by sharing suggestions from various vocal pedagogy approaches, including Estill Voice. It is applicable to directors working with high school, college and older community singers. Previous presentations of “You Are the Voice Teacher: Teaching Technique in Choral Singing” include: 2022 NAfME (Ohio)
2022 ACDA Northwestern Region
2024 ACDA Midwestern Region
2024 ACDA Southwestern Region
2024 ACDA Western Region
You Are the Voice Teacher: Teaching Technique in Choral Singing
Amy Johnston Blosser
Bexley City Schools
Amy Johnston Blosser served for nine years on the ACDA National Board as the Repertoire and Resources Committee Chairperson, and was the 2023 National Conference Chairperson for Auditioned Choirs. She has helped plan ACDA conferences in Cincinnati, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Dallas, Oklahoma City, Miami, Chicago and Los Angeles. Under her direction, Bexley H.S. has performed for NAfME & ACDA conferences, including ACDA performances in 2012, 2016 & 2020. Blosser was selected for the 2015 ACDA International Conductors Exchange Program with Sweden. She is Associate Director of Music at First Community and Artistic Director of Bexley Choral Society.
C. Andrew Blosser
The Ohio State University
C. Andrew Blosser, DMA, serves on the voice faculty at The Ohio State University, and is the Director of Music at First Community Church. Blosser is a featured soloist with orchestras and ensembles throughout the United States, specializing in oratorio. Highlights include Vaughan Williams’ On Wenlock Edge (Carpe Diem String Quartet), Handel’s Messiah (Columbus Symphony Orchestra), and Bach’s St. Matthew Passion (Bach Society of Dayton). In 2013 he served as cantor for services at the Berlin Cathedral, and as soloist for Mozart’s Missa Longa at the Salzburg Cathedral.
