Give Me the Chance, with Ryan Main

11/03/22 • 66 min

Choral Connectivity: A People-First Approach to Singing

Composer, teacher, and choral entrepreneur Ryan Main shares his inspiring story with us today about how he came to the field of music. Ryan's story is unique, as he is now a force of nature in the world of choir, but he didn't sing in choir until his sophomore year of college. Ryan walked in to an audition for choir totally unprepared, but the choral director saw potential in Ryan, and gave him a chance anyway. Thanks to that chance, Ryan's impact on the world of choral music is great through his composed music and the organization he founded, the Youth Chorus of Kansas City. We should all learn from this story to never discourage and to remember the power of seeing potential in all people.
Be sure to listen all the way through and definitely check out his music to perform with your groups or consider commissioning him for a piece. Additionally, here is the link to Ryan's list of recommended accessible choral repertoire for young voices.
Be sure to join our community on Facebook and Instagram, and if you are inspired by the content, please support using Buy Me A Coffee! Check back every Thursday for a new inspiring episode.

Previous Episode

My Story....asking "why?"

Welcome back to Choral Connectivity, where we explore the meaningful ways that teaching singing can affect human nature, discuss teaching philosophies, and celebrate amazing stories of people who are doing incredible and meaningful work in the choral field. I have a full season of amazing guests and conversations, but first, let's dive into "why." In order to understand why I am so passionate about a people-first philosophy when it comes to teaching and singing, you have to know a little bit more about me and my story. This episode will give you some vulnerable context on where I'm at in life, why I do what I do, and why I'm rethinking how chorus can be done.
Be sure to join our community on Facebook and Instagram, and if you are inspired by the content, please support using Buy Me A Coffee! Check back every Thursday for a new inspiring episode.

Next Episode

Belonging is Value Being Recognized

Jason Alexander Holmes, Artistic Director of the Cincinnati Boychoir, shares how culturally responsive teaching changed his experience and lead to his future in music education. His experiences with his middle school choir teacher embracing his value in the classroom has opened his eyes to see and recognize value in his own students, encouraging a strong culture of belonging for each member of the choir. Listen now to learn from this story, and a strong reminder of the importance of embracing the individual student for who they are.
Be sure to join our community on Facebook and Instagram, and if you are inspired by the content, please support using Buy Me A Coffee! Check back every Thursday for a new inspiring episode.