March 07, 2025

Episode 239: Shaping the Future Through Leadership with Jessica Nápoles

1 hour 6 minutes

Recently selected President-Elect of the American Choral Directors Dr. Jessica Nápoles joins me to talk imposter syndrome, leadership and her ACDA passion.

Balancing a passion for music with the demands of higher education isn’t easy, but Jessica has found a way to do just that. In this episode, we explore her unique career path that defies the notion of having to choose between conducting and teaching.

Jessica shares how her journey has been a hybrid of both passions, challenging the traditional idea of what it means to be a college professor in choral music. We dive into her experiences with job interviews where she was often asked to choose between choirs, and her decision to prioritize non-auditioned groups, emphasizing inclusion and community building over exclusivity.

We discuss her innovative approach to field experiences and peer lab choirs at UNT.

Jessica shares her leadership journey within ACDA and her commitment to fostering a culture of celebration and growth.

We also tackle the perfectionism trap, imposter syndrome, and how social media influences our perception of success.

Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!

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Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope

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Jessica Nápoles is Professor of Choral Music Education at the University of North Texas, where she teaches undergraduate choral methods, mentors graduate research, and conducts the Concert Choir. A native of Miami, FL, Dr. Nápoles is a second generation Cuban and taught public school in Orlando and Miami.

Dr. Nápoles is an active conductor, clinician, and researcher. She seeks to bridge the gap between scholarship and practice. She serves her profession as member of the Executive Committee of NAfME’s Society for Research in Music Education and as Chair of the ACDA Research & Publications Standing Committtee. She was recently elected as ACDA National President-Elect Designate.

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00:00 Introduction to the Choralosophy Podcast

03:19 Jessica Napolis: A Journey in Music Education

12:32 The Impact of Great Teaching

22:13 Field Experience in Music Education

25:34 Leadership in ACDA: A Personal Journey

33:13 The Role of ACDA and NAFME in Music Education

36:17 Integrating Pedagogy and Performance in Choirs

39:11 Addressing the Needs of Developing Choirs

45:44 Understanding Perfectionism in Music Education

52:24 Building a Growth Mindset in Students

01:01:17 Creating a Supportive Choir Culture

...more

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By Christopher M Munce

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