This important resource is the culmination of a lifelong dream of author Melissa M. Mills to share the wisdom of many of the most influential community children’s choir directors in North America, especially those responsible for pioneering and shaping this wonderful art form.

Across two volumes, Mills collects and organizes interviews with 23 expert conductors. Through their conversations, Mills gleans wisdom about their training, teaching philosophy, motivations, and practice, and provides a special focus from each conductor on topics ranging from assigning vocal parts and teaching healthy tone production to planning rehearsals and developing independent musicians.

Teachers of young singers will find a broad and deep exploration of the issues that conductors must consider, leading to more purposeful instruction and increased effectiveness in the choral setting. The philosophies and principles discussed in these books offer insights for teachers of the youngest singers through teenagers, in all choral settings (children’s choirs, church choirs, and elementary, middle, and high school choirs).

The growing interest in both community children’s choirs and choral conducting philosophy makes Working with Young Singers a timely and invaluable resource for all choral music educators.

Contributors: Betty Bertaux • Emily Ellsworth • Christy Elsner • Janet Galván • Helen Kemp • Janeal Krehbiel • Henry Leck • Doreen Rao • Barbara M. Tagg • Anne Tomlinson