Was choral singing truly better in the past — or are we misreading what has changed? In this episode of Sounds Good, host Dr. Jaclyn Normandie speaks with Danish choral conductor and educator Jonas Rasmussen about nostalgia, quality, participation, and the evolving role of choral music in a globalized world. Drawing from his work as an artistic director, academy professor, and digital educator, Jonas offers a clear-eyed perspective on what has been lost, what has been gained, and what the future of choral singing may actually hold. This conversation invites conductors, singers, and educators to honor tradition without letting it limit what's possible next.

Discover more about Jonas Rasmessen at: https://jonasrasmussen.dk/

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In this episode of Sounds Good, host Dr. Jaclyn Normandie speaks with Dr. Edith Copley about how music transcends technical skill to foster human connection and community. From leading choirs on international trips to exposing students to global singing cultures, Dr. Copley emphasizes the transformative role of music in building empathy and collaboration.

She also discusses innovative initiatives by ACDA and collaborators aimed at supporting choral conductor wellness—addressing vocal, musculoskeletal, auditory, and mental health. New directors will gain valuable advice on networking, staying physically active, and developing listening skills to engage their choirs more deeply.

Whether you're a conductor, musician, or music lover, this episode offers practical tools, inspiration, and a fresh perspective on the joy and responsibility of making music.

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AI can mimic voices and generate entire performances — but can it ever replace the magic of a choir? In Part Two of our Future of Choir mini-series, host Dr. Jaclyn Normandie is joined again by Chris Eanes, President and CEO of Chorus America, to explore what makes singing together fundamentally human. From the breath we share to the silence between notes, this episode asks: in an AI-saturated world, why will the human voice always win?

Discover more about Dr. Eanes and Chorus American at: https://chorusamerica.org

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In this episode of Sounds Good, host Dr. Jaclyn Normandie welcomes Chris Eanes, President & CEO of Chorus America, for a deep dive into the claim that "classical music is dying." Where did this idea come from, and why does it keep resurfacing? Is the narrative actually true — or does choral music offer a radically different story?

Across three themes, Jaclyn and Chris unpack the resilience of choirs, the cultural role they play as community "third spaces," and why choral music might be uniquely positioned to thrive in the future. They explore whether a "living canon" is still forming today, which composers might stand the test of centuries, and how choirs can honor tradition while embracing the repertoire of right now.

This conversation reframes the future of choir as vibrant, evolving, and deeply human.

Topics Covered:

• Why the "death of classical music" narrative persists

• How choral music differs from other classical institutions

• Choir as a community anchor and third space

• Why choirs shouldn't compare themselves to orchestras

• The emergence of a living choral canon

• Balancing tradition with contemporary relevance

Next Episode:

Part Two of The Future of Choir explores the intersection of choral music and technology — including whether AI can ever rival the experience of singing together.

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In this inspiring episode, host Dr. Jaclyn Normandie speaks with Dr. Burak Onur Erdem, principal conductor of the Turkish State Polyphonic Choir and vice president of the International Federation of Choral Music (IFCM). Dr. Erdem shares his remarkable journey from political science to choral conducting, and explores the transformative power of collective singing.

As festival director of the 2023 World Symposium on Choral Music in Istanbul, Burak offers profound insights into how choirs serve as instruments of peace, identity, and social change. From the Estonian Singing Revolution to microtonal music traditions, we discuss how choral music transcends cultural boundaries and creates genuine human connection.

Dr. Erdem reflects on mentorship from Maria Guinand and Johannes Prinz, the meditative act of breathing together in choir, and why silence is as important as sound. This conversation will resonate with anyone who believes in music's power to heal divisions and build bridges.

Learn more about Dr. Burak Onur Erdem: http://www.burakonurerdem.com

Podcast host: Dr. Jaclyn Normandie from the Modern Conducting Academy: https://www.modernconductingacademy.com

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In this episode, we speak with Thomas Caplin, a well-respected professor of choir leadership, composer, singer, and clinician, known for his pedagogical approach to choir leadership. He was awarded 'Conductor of the year' by The Norwegian Choir Association in 2004, and conducts the award-winning youth choir Defrost in Norway. Thomas is passionate about the socio-psychological environment in any choir and has many words of wisdom for choir leaders of all genres and levels.

Read more and get in touch with Thomas here: https://www.thomascaplin.com

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Philip Read, a passionate conductor and member of The Spooky Men's Chorale, advocates for male mental health through the power of choir. He's the founder of The Best Sing Since Sliced Bread and organizes 'Singing in the Shed', a welcoming festival that encourages men of all backgrounds to experience the joy of singing.

Discover more about this inclusive and transformative singing weekend at Singing in the Shed: https://www.singingintheshed.co.uk

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Annemarie Homan had a brilliant idea for all the singers who want to join vocal festivals to perform, but don't have a group or choir to travel with; The Single Singers. What do they do and how can you join? Listen on!

Want to join the Single Singers? Send an e-mail to [email protected] or visit their Facebook-page: https://www.facebook.com/TheSingleSingers

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Christine Mulgrew is one half of the brains behind Total Choir Resources. She shares with us about the importance of a community for conductors, the importance of community choirs and how anyone anywhere can become a conductor.

She also tells us about her exciting new project, bringing together conductors from all over the world!

Join Choir Leader Link: http://choirleaderlink.com

Have a look TOTAL CHOIR RESOURCES: https://www.totalchoirresources.com

Or join their online community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tcrmastermind

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Sounds Good host and ChoirMate ambassador Dyveke Kuløy talks to Dr. Amy Bebbington, Head of the training programme for the Association of British Choral Directors (ABCD), in London, UK. Amy is a highly trained and skilled conductor with plenty of advice for aspiring conductors and for those who've been in the game for a while!

Amy has worked closely with the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain as Course Director, Musicianship Tutor and Guest Tutor. She has performed in award-winning choirs and has choral works published by Banks Music Publications and Multitude of Voyces. Amy has had the pleasure of adjudicating for both the Derry and Cork International Choral Festivals, Feis Ceoil (Dublin), Choir of the Year, Music for Youth National Festival and the Cheltenham Music Festival, among many others. As a teacher trainer/animateur, she has worked for Trinity/Open University, Glyndebourne Education, Sing for Pleasure, Youth Music and Music of Life.

Amy is in great demand as a choral clinician, mentor and teacher, and is currently Musical Director for Harlequin Chamber Choir, Corra Sound, Nota Bene, and the Sempre Fidelis Singers (Gordon's School).

Want to join one of ABCD's courses? You can find more information here: https://www.abcd.org.uk/training

Any thoughts? Contact us: [email protected]