I am available for coaching on conducting techniques and fundamentals of the choral art.

My Credentials

  • Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati;
  • Over 45 years experience as a choral singer, both amateur and professional;
  •  26 years professional choral experience under the tutelage of Jon Washburn;
  • 26 year participant in the Vancouver Chamber Choir's National Conductors' Symposium led by Jon Washburn;
  • Trained under conductors Elmer Thomas, Jon Washburn, Dale Warland, John Rutter, Stephen Cleobury, Wayne Riddell, John Leman, Janos Horvath, Wes Janzen, among others;
  • Conducting experience: Richmond Singers, Vancouver Chamber Choir, University of Cincinnati Early Music Ensemble, SFU Chorus, Vancouver Lesbian and Gay Choir, St Mary's Church Choirs, Trinity United Church Choir, Ad Libitum Vocal Ensemble of Calgary, Jubilate! Chamber Choir, TWU Masterworks Chorale, Coral Fusion Latina

My Strengths

  • Rhythmic accuracy and sensitivity
  • Knowledge of languages (Spanish, French, Italian, Latin, German, Hebrew, Portuguese, Catalan)
  • Knowledge of the IPA alphabet
  • Knowledge of historical musical periods and particulars of each style
  • Knowledge all major choral works in the standard repertoire
  • Expert vocal technician
  • 45 years choral experience

Conducting Techniques 

Coaching may include

  • Score analysis 
  • Score marking and preparation
  • Hand versus baton
  • Baton techniques
  • Rehearsal planning
  • Rehearsal execution and pacing
  • Arms, hand, head and body in the conducting gesture
  • Gesture and patterns
  • The issue of Tempo
  • Interpretive gestures (dynamic, phrasing, colour, character)
  • Appropriateness of gesture
  • Gesture and musical style
  • Preparations, entries and cut-offs
  • Coordination exercises

Choral Techniques 

Coaching may include

  • Rhythmic accuracy
  • Choral diction
  • Language coaching
  • Vocal fundamentals for choral singers
  • Learning to listen
  • Identifying the problems
  • Troubleshooting
  • Tuning
  • Blending
  • Balance
  • Vowel modification for tuning and blending
  • Choral warm ups

Whatever the issues you encounter, I can help you. 
If you are looking for dedicated one-on-one coaching with someone with extensive experience, an understanding of the art of choral conducting and the fundamentals of the choral sound, as  well as a solid foundation of vocal technique, your search is over. Contact me for more information.