“The Great Reset” • For Your Choir?
Consider using this time of disruption as an opportunity to make long-overdue changes in the way your choir operates.
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A Short Reflection for Holy Week: On Love
May these thoughts on selfless love encourage you to persevere through Holy Week.
Hidden Gem: Crux Fidelis (attr. King John IV of Portugal)
I don’t know who really wrote this motet, but I do know it’s a soothing and highly accessible selection for Holy Week.
The Anatomy of an Organ Improvisation
Here are some audio samples from recent Masses, along with explanations of what I was thinking for each improvisation.
Three Ways to Improvise at the Organ
Don’t just play the organ. Pray the organ.
Four Reasons to Improvise at the Organ
If an ex-clarinetist can do it, you can do it—and the benefits far outweigh the effort involved.
PDF • “Spiritual Mass Plan for Church Organists”
Some guidance on how to stay recollected at a low Mass while you’re also playing organ.
Looking for a Good Lenten Devotion? Try the Seven Sorrows Rosary
Learn about the amazing promises attached to this venerable devotion.
Quick Vocal Tip: Breathe on Cutoffs
This simple breathing hack could bring new life to your choir’s sound.
Hidden Gem: Salvum Fac Populum Tuum (Bruckner)
This little-known, accessible motet could serve as your choir’s introduction to the thrilling sonic world of Anton Bruckner.
What Color Is B-Flat? Life as a Musician with Synesthesia
Musicians rely on hearing. Hearing is a sense. Synesthesia makes the senses cross over. And that’s where the fun begins….
Here’s a New Year’s Resolution: Tell Strangers What You Do
A recent encounter made me realize what can happen when we discuss church music with others.
Start the New Year Right with a Spectacular Alleluia
If you attend the Extraordinary Form, the Alleluia for the Octave of the Nativity will enable you to start the New Year with a bang.
Hidden Gem: Alma Redemptoris Mater (Salazar)
Here’s a Spanish Baroque motet that will gradually, gently win your heart while giving your choir another good option for the entire Christmas cycle.
How to Help Children Match Pitch (part III)
Three more tips on what to do and how to act with your young music students. Learn the secret ingredient of success!
How to Help Children Match Pitch (part II)
Got your kids singing in head tone? Good. Next, try these two tips to eliminate obstacles to their success.
How to Help Children Match Pitch (part I)
It all starts with teaching your kids to sing in head tone. Here are some ideas on how to do it.
St. Matthew, St. Jane, and the End of a Liturgical Year
St. Jane de Chantal’s Prayer of Abandonment can help you make peace with a liturgical year that was not what any of us expected.
Let’s Bring Back the Thank-You Note
I’m a little early for Thanksgiving, but I think any church musician will appreciate this story of gratitude.
Veterans Day: Remembering Those Who Made Our Music Possible
My grandparents served in World War II and helped defeat fascism. The service, faith, and prayers of people like them made it possible for us all to be church musicians today.
Place Me Among the Sheep, Not the Goats
The Dies Irae is part of why my choir prefers singing Requiems to Nuptial Masses. Here’s why you should spend a few minutes with this Sequence on All Souls Day.
Quick Vocal Tip: The Yawn Breath
Looking for a speedy way to help your choir get into good placement for singing? The yawn breath encourages healthy phonation.
Helping “Tone-Deaf” Men Match Pitch
(Keven Smith) • Ever had a man express interest in your choir, only to discover that he has trouble matching pitch? You may just need to unlock his high range. Here’s how I’d approach the situation • James C. McKinney is mentioned+
How to Stay Prayerful as a Church Musician
It all boils down to recollection. This 39-page book will help. (And so will one weird trick with your computer, as the clickbaiters would say.)
The Real Reason Why Some People Don’t Match Pitch
(Keven Smith) • I’ve come to realize that the vast majority of “tone-deaf” people aren’t really tone-deaf at all. They just haven’t been trained to coordinate their voices with their audiation+