At its heart, choral singing is a deeply human activity. During each rehearsal, both intrapersonal and interpersonal factors contribute to the success of the ensemble and each individual in the room. It is important for directors to be cognizant of a variety of research-based psychological ideas to help them maximize their group’s potential. Drawing on over 20 years of experience in K-12 and University choral classrooms, as well as more than 15 years teaching AP Psychology, the clinician will discuss applications of social psychology, motivation, learning, emotion, cognition, positive psychology, and neuroscience within the choral rehearsal. A special emphasis will be given to real-world examples and newer research findings.
Target Audience
Choral directors
Additional Notes
Clinician Info
Matthew R Hanne
Matthew is Assistant Professor of Music Education at California State University – Bakersfield, where he teaches courses related to music education and voice. He previously served as the Director of Fine Arts at The Independent School and was on the faculty of Newman University, both in Wichita, KS.
Matthew has studied in person at the International Kodály Seminar in Kecskemét, Hungary, three times, once as a participant in Peter Erdei’s conducting course. Matthew earned his Kodály certification through OAKE at Wichita State University, and has taught solfege, conducting, pedagogy, and materials in several Kodály training courses in the United States.
Matthew has presented workshops related to choral music and the Kodály philosophy at the local, state, regional, national and international levels, including presentations at OAKE and NAfME national conferences, and the 2023 International Kodály Society Symposium. Matthew currently serves on the OAKE national board as the Secondary Education Advisor.