A Practical Guide for New Directors
Dosman’s 147-page book covers such topics as choral philosophies and approaches, programming and logistics, strategies for notational literacy and vocal technique, diverse repertoire selections, choral program management, lesson and rehearsal planning and leadership skills. Throughout, Dosman pulls not just from his own experience but also the work and research of others established in the field. In writing the book, Dosman tried to be thoughtful about how culture has changed over time and how choirs can adapt to these changes.
“Sometimes our profession gets stuck in old practices and old ways of thinking where we don’t acknowledge the world that we’re in,” he said.
This is particularly true for those who identify as LGTBQIA+, or anyone whose appearance and vocal range may not fit into the profession’s historical norms and expectations. Gender and presentation are more fluid now, so it makes sense for a choir to mirror those changes, for example, by doing away with the binary dress code: women in gowns, men in tuxedos.
Even in voicing, Dosman said he has had at least one student start as high as soprano only to transition through to the much lower baritone.
“I was never prepared to deal with that or trained to help students who were going through that transition and music is not written for that,” Dosman said. “It doesn’t have to be so rigid."
Part of the book also includes examples of accessible music new directors can use to diversify their programs and create a culture of inclusivity from the outset. Suggested pieces are from classical European sources as well as Middle Eastern, African American and South American cultures, including music in Spanish.
Access the book at Rowman & Littlefield