In the field of choral conducting and pedagogy, there is no other book to rival the depth and breadth of Donald Neuen’s Choral Concepts. I am thrilled to offer an enthusiastic endorsement of this newly revised second edition, which I believe to be the finest of its kind in the English language.

—Allen Hightower
    Director of Choral Studies, University of North Texas

Choral Concepts captures the essence of nearly 70 years of expertise from one of America’s most esteemed choral conductors, Donald Neuen.

This comprehensive guide offers clear, practical, and empowering teachings in choral methods and conducting on such important topics as breath support, ensemble sound, vowels, warm-ups, rhythm, phrasing, diction, score preparation and analysis, rehearsal techniques, the role of the conductor, and more.

The second edition enhances this foundational text with a new section focused on conducting major choral works and an expanded chapter on conducting techniques, making it a crucial tool for graduate conducting courses and both aspiring and seasoned conductors.

After serving as assistant conductor to the legendary Robert Shaw, Donald Neuen went on to shape the graduate choral conducting programs at the Eastman School of Music and UCLA, and he elevated the Hour of Power choir to international prominence. He has conducted choral and orchestral works across Europe, Asia, Mexico, Canada, and in nearly every U.S. state, and has presented at numerous ACDA conferences, graduate conducting seminars, and church music workshops. Renowned musicologist and choral scholar Julius Herford succinctly summed up Neuen’s stature following a performance of the Bach Mass in B Minor: “Don Neuen is the great conductor of his generation.”