The Habits Every Choir Director Needs to Succeed: Revealing Secrets to Success

Being a choir director is no easy task. It requires not only exceptional musical skills, but also numerous personal qualities and habits that contribute to the success of the choir, and ultimately, to the delight of the audience. In this article, we will explore the habits of successful choir directors, revealing their secrets to achieving greatness in the world of choral music.

The Power of Preparation

One of the key habits of successful choir directors is their dedication to preparation. Before each rehearsal, they carefully plan and organize the music, ensuring that all members have access to scores and learning materials well in advance. This allows the director to efficiently use the limited rehearsal time to focus on refining details and improving the overall performance. A well-prepared choir director empowers the choir members to reach their full potential.

Effective Communication

Another crucial habit of successful choir directors is their exceptional communication skills. They have the ability to clearly convey their ideas and expectations to the singers, inspiring them to bring out their best efforts. They provide constructive feedback, addressing individual and collective challenges, all while maintaining a positive and supportive atmosphere within the choir. This open line of communication ensures that everyone is on the same page and working towards a common goal.

Habits of a Successful Choir Director

by Matthew Collin(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	48909 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	384 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Vision and Leadership

A successful choir director possesses a clear vision for the choir's future. They set goals for the ensemble and help their singers understand the bigger picture. By providing a vision to the choir members, they motivate them to work harder and strive for excellence. A strong leader, a choir director uplifts the spirits of the entire group and helps them overcome obstacles together, creating a cohesive and harmonious ensemble.

Continual Learning and Growth

Growth mindset is another habit shared by accomplished choir directors. They understand that learning never stops, and they continuously seek opportunities for personal and professional development. Whether it's attending workshops, participating in conferences, or networking with other professionals, successful choir directors are committed to expanding their knowledge and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in choral music.

Attention to Detail

Successful choir directors have a keen eye for detail. They pay attention to every nuance, from dynamics and phrasing to pronunciation and diction. They meticulously polish the choir's performance, ensuring that every word and note is delivered with utmost precision. By focusing on these details, they elevate the quality of the choir's performance, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Adaptability and Flexibility

In the fast-paced world of choral music, flexibility is key. Successful choir directors are adaptable and embrace change as an opportunity for growth. They are open to exploring various musical styles, experimenting with new techniques, and adjusting their rehearsal strategies based on their choir's needs. Their flexibility enables them to create engaging and innovative performances that captivate audiences and keep their choir members motivated.

Building Strong Relationships

A successful choir director knows that building strong relationships with their singers is essential for a thriving ensemble. They take the time to understand each individual's unique strengths and weaknesses, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual respect. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment, they nurture the personal growth of their choir members, enabling them to reach new heights in their musical journey.

Passion and Enthusiasm

Finally, perhaps the most contagious habit of successful choir directors is their unwavering passion for music. They exude enthusiasm, and their love for choral music inspires their singers to share that same passion. This energy infuses the entire choir with excitement and serves as a catalyst for extraordinary performances that touch the hearts of audiences.

Successful choir directors possess a unique set of habits that contribute to their achievements in the world of choral music. From meticulous preparation and effective communication to adaptability and unwavering passion, these habits set them apart. By cultivating these habits, aspiring choir directors can unlock their full potential and lead their choirs to extraordinary success.

Habits of a Successful Choir Director

by Matthew Collin(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	48909 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	384 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Habits of a Successful Choir Director presents effective teaching principles and provides a practical approach to everyday issues choir directors face. Building on the successful Habits series, Eric Wilkinson and Scott Rush have created a practical guide to all aspects of a successful choral program, including:

Program organization and managementTeaching the components of singingRehearsal strategies and ensemble fundamentalsMusic literacy and repertoire selectionStrategies for assessmentThe significance of music making

Additional sections address musicianship, classroom management, working with parents and colleagues, the importance of warm-up time, building student leadership, professional development, field trips, fundraising, schoolwide scheduling, developing a mission statement, and quality of life issues.

This is a comprehensive book that will exponentially inspire as teaching skills grow. It will serve as a constant and essential companion throughout the career of any choir director.