Matthew Myers
One Voice: Vocal Pedagogy Ideas for Solo and Choral Singing
Saturday, March 7th 9:45am
Session Description
We each sing with just one voice, but we use it very differently depending on what genre we’re singing and whom we’re singing with. Far too often, voice teachers and choral conductors face conflicts when teaching different styles of singing to the same students. In this presentation, we prioritize the collaborative efforts that studio teachers and ensemble directors can make to guide their singers. Join both a voice teacher and choral conductor as we dive into the similarities and differences between teaching solo and ensemble singing. We’ll explore resonance, breath, phrasing, tone, diction, style, vocal health, movement, and more. With a healthier knowledge of vocal pedagogy, we can all teach our students healthy singing concepts regardless of whether they're singing alone or in a large group - or singing classical, jazz, pop, musical theatre, or any other genre of music. Our goal is to explore the science of singing in a way that is accessible to all teachers so that we can help our students to be as successful as possible in all their pursuits. Learn how to help your students understand the role of their voices and find freedom and balance no matter where or how they sing!
Clinician Bio
Matthew Myers serves as associate director of choral activities at Washington State University, where he conducts the University Singers and Treble Choir and teaches choral methods, conducting, and vocal pedagogy. He earned his DMA in choral conducting at Louisiana State University, MM in choral conducting from Northern Arizona University, and BA in vocal performance/music education from Luther College. Prior to his time at WSU, he taught choir at The American International School of Muscat in Oman, Boylan Catholic High School in Rockford, Illinois, and the University of Alabama. He conducts the Palouse Choral Society and co-hosts the Choir Fam Podcast. He serves the American Choral Directors Association as the Northwest ACDA Regional Membership Chair and as a member of the Washington ACDA Diversity Initiatives Committee.