Amy Johnston & C. Andrew Blosser
Session 4
Thursday March 10th - 11:00am
You Are the Voice Teacher: Teaching Technique and Authenticity of Vocal Production in Choral Singing.
Session Description
“Blend. Drop your jaw. Straight tone. Darker.” Most people have likely heard one of these before, but does this really help inexperienced singers? What terminology can we use to provide clarity to singers that connects them in a relatable way and takes away some of the mystery? Are we teaching singers the pedagogy behind their instrument in terms that are clear and concrete? How can we bridge what can be a disconnect between singing in a choral ensemble and singing in applied lessons? This session provides 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.
Clinician Bio
Amy Johnston Blosser served nine years on the ACDA National Board as the Repertoire and Resources Committee Chairperson. Under her direction, Bexley H.S. Vocal Ensemble has performed for NAfME and ACDA conferences, including Central region performances in 2012, 2016 and 2020. Blosser was selected for the 2015 ACDA International Conductors Exchange Program with Sweden. In 2017, Blosser won second place in the Youth and High School Conducting category for The American Prize competition.
C. Andrew Blosser, DMA, serves on the voice faculty at Ohio State University, and is Director of Music at First Community Church. Blosser is a featured soloist with orchestras and ensembles. Highlights include Vaughn Williams’ On Wenlock Edge (Carpe Diem String Quartet), Handel’s Messiah (Columbus Symphony Orchestra), and Bach’s St. Matthew Passion (Bach Society of Dayton). He served as cantor for services at the Berlin Cathedral, and as soloist for Mozart’s Missa Longa at the Salzburg Cathedral.