2018_EJRNL_PP_Naomi_Cooper_1.pdf
Terbatas Noor Pujiati.,S.Sos
» ITB
Terbatas Noor Pujiati.,S.Sos
» ITB
The number of community choirs continues to grow, and literature endorsing the benefits of
choral singing for physical, mental and emotional health and well-being is rapidly expanding,
meaning that the professional development of community choral conductors is in the public
interest. However, research on choral conductor education remains limited. Theoretical
perspectives on choral conductor training presented by Varvarigou and Durrant (2011) have
provided a useful framework for conceptualizing a formal training model. As opportunities to
study using such a model are not widely available in Australia and other locations, it is pertinent
to consider alternative methods for community choral conductors to learn the craft and
develop their skills. A design-based research model has been proposed as a possible format
for learning choral conducting and the case study of the author’s own practice reported here
reveals its effectiveness. The design-based research structure, incorporating observation and
interview with ten professional choral conductors, as well as cycles of design, intervention and
evaluation is proposed as a possible informal learning approach for other choral conductors.