Choralosophy

Episode 240: First, Do No Harm with Megan Farison


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Grooming isn’t always obvious. It’s a gradual process that can occur in many forms. Educators have a special responsibility to keep our spaces safe.

Power imbalances in schools can create dangerous situations, and veteran music teacher and voice coach Megan Farison knows this firsthand. In this episode, she shares her deeply personal journey through the complex realities of teacher-student relationships—how grooming happens, why boundaries matter, and what educators can do to create safer learning environments.

We discuss:

  • How grooming can occur subtly in student-teacher dynamics
  • Why power and influence must be carefully managed in education
  • The long-term effects of boundary violations in schools
  • Why open conversations about safety and ethics are critical
  • Megan also introduces her book, Dissonance, which explores her experiences and the broader implications of inappropriate relationships in educational spaces. This is an essential episode for educators, parents, and students alike.

    Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!

    Choralosophy presented by Ludus. Visit Ludus.com/choralosophy for the cutting edge in fine arts ticketing and marketing solutions.

    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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    Megan is a voice coach and choir director of nearly twenty years, having held positions at the elementary, secondary, and collegiate level. Her energetic teaching style incorporates a blend of vocal and choral pedagogy that empowers the individual singer as well as the ensemble. She has served as a district manager for Michigan School Vocal Music Association (MSVMA), Secretary of ACDA-Michigan, and President of the Central Michigan University Alumni Choir Association.

    Megan is the Artistic Director and Founder of the Lux Women’s Choir (based in Midland, Michigan), and she hosts the podcast Sing, Coach, Conduct, which is currently in its third season. She is the author of the memoir, “Dissonance,” a deeply personal account of grooming and educator sexual abuse. Her mission is to raise awareness about abuses of power, in order to prevent educator sexual misconduct and protect potential targets of grooming and abuse.

    Enter Choralosophy at Checkout for a 5% discount when you shop for folders, robes and other gear for your choir program! www.mymusicfolders.com and www.mychoirrobes.com
    Megan’s Resources
    Dissonance, A Memoir – FREE PREVIEWDownload
    The Elephant Alliance

    Duck, Duck, Groom

    RyanMain.com is now expanding to a family of composers! Visit endeavormusicpublishing.com and of course, enter Choralosophy at checkout for a 10% discount!
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    Chapters

    00:00 Megan’s Journey to Music Education
    02:08 The Impact of Teacher-Student Relationships
    05:04 Megan’s Personal Experience with Grooming
    08:06 Understanding Grooming and Its Implications
    10:53 The Realization of Abuse
    14:03 The Complexity of Manipulation
    16:58 Power Imbalances in Relationships
    20:00 Navigating Trust and Safety
    23:11 Stages of Grooming
    24:32 Normalizing Inappropriate Behavior in Education
    27:10 The Importance of Boundaries in Teacher-Student Relationships
    29:32 Recognizing the Complexity of Student-Teacher Attraction
    34:40 The Dangers of Favoritism and Emotional Manipulation
    41:33 Creating a Safe Learning Environment
    48:02 The Role of Accountability in Preventing Abuse
    53:58 The Journey of Writing ‘Dissonance’ and Its Impact

        

    ...more
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    ChoralosophyBy Christopher M Munce

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