In this interactive session, attendees will explore how to incorporate improvisational activities into their choral warm-ups, sight-singing exercises, and repertoire. Suggestions and exercises will include (a) improvising movements; (b) question and answer improvisation; (c) embellishing a melody; and (d) improvising in small groups. Attendees will receive a packet of public domain songs appropriate for improvisational activities and performances.
Target Audience
CCDA Constituents
Additional Notes
Clinician Info
Emily Mercado
University of Utah
Emily Mercado, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Choral Music Education and the Music Education Area Head at The University of Utah where she teaches choral music education courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, supervises music education student research, and conducts Voci Altissime, a treble voice choir. Mercado is an active conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and researcher. Her research has appeared in leading music education journals including Research Studies in Music Education, Journal of Music Teacher Education, The British Journal of Music Education, Update: Applications of Research in Music Education and Arts Education Policy Review. Mercado has presented at the Society for Music Teacher Education Symposium, NAfME’s Research and Teacher Education National Conference, the American Education Research Association Annual Meeting, and several state and regional music education conferences. Mercado currently serves as president on the ACDA-UT board. Mercado is also actively involved in developing community partnerships with area schools.
Mercado received a Ph.D. in Music Education from Louisiana State University, a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Oregon State University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Oregon State University. Prior to joining the faculty at The University of Utah, Mercado taught choir for nine years at
Crescent Valley High School and Cheldelin Middle School in Corvallis, OR. Mercado also held the post of Associate Conductor of the Corvallis Repertory Singers.