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ences of transgender singers in choral settings. Results study, I validated and piloted a choral educator ques-
offer insights for choral conductors seeking to enhance tionnaire. I designed the survey to solicit information
their support for this group. In this study we reviewed about the use of vocal pedagogy in the ensemble class-
literature from 2013 to 2022. Of the 221 relevant stud- room. In the survey, I also asked about educators’ use
ies included in the scoping review, 15 studies discussed of vocal pedagogy as related to issues of vocal health
choral contexts. These studies stressed the importance and teaching non-Classical repertoire. After reviewing
of (a) creating gender-inclusive and culturally respon- methodologies used in prior choral education survey
sive choral environments, (b) addressing concerns such studies, I chose to validate the questionnaire through
as gendered language, concert attire, and voice part la- a cognitive interview process. This process yielded a
beling, and (c) the impact of gender dysphoria on cho- revised questionnaire that a small sample of choral ed-
ral singing experiences. The search returned limited re- ucators piloted. Results of these two phases culminated
search on non-binary singers. Few studies disclosed the in a final questionnaire for use with a larger sample.
involvement of transgender researchers. Environmen-
tal factors such as gendered norms in choirs and the role
of choral conductors functioned as both barriers and Music Teachers’ Perceptions of Nonverbal
facilitators for transgender singers in choral contexts. Conducting Technique Items in Teaching
Choral conductors can play a pivotal role in creating Choir in the Classroom
trans-inclusive environments by using gender-neutral Ji-Eun Kim
language and fostering allyship for transgender indi- Volume 12, pages 111-131
viduals. The studies reviewed also addressed the vocal
effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy, vocal The purpose of this descriptive study was to exam-
exercises, binding practices, and vocal health while ine music teachers’ perceptions of nonverbal conduct-
emphasizing the psychological and emotional aspects ing technique items based on their classroom choral
of voice and gender identity. While progress has been teaching experiences. One hundred and fifty classroom
made in recognizing and accommodating transgender choral music educators (N = 150) participated in this
singers in choral settings, further research is needed to study. I employed two procedures. First, using a sev-
address the pedagogical implications of trans-specific en-point Likert-type scale, participants rated 15 non-
vocal considerations, including gender-affirming hor- verbal conducting technique items in their importance
mone therapy and surgical interventions. to directing choral ensembles. I then arranged partic-
ipants’ mean ratings of the 15 items in order of im-
portance. The three most participant-rated important
Validating and Piloting a Choral Educator items were providing right-hand indications for tempo
Questionnaire: The Use of Culture Bearers changes, providing left-hand indications for crescendos
and Pedagogical Implications of Singing in and diminuendos, and providing right-hand indica-
Multiple Timbres tions for attacks and releases. Then, participants select-
Andrew P. Schmidt ed their three most important nonverbal conducting
Volume 12, pages 88-110 technique items using the same 15 items. There was a
tie for the rank of the third most important item, result-
Many educators strive to enact culturally relevant ing in four items as most important. The four most par-
practices by introducing repertoire of various cultures ticipant-selected important items were providing right-
and genres. One major barrier to this implementation hand indications for tempo changes, providing facial/
includes the variety of vocal sounds inherent in tradi- body indications for style emphases and changes (lega-
tions outside those generally presented in choral envi- to, staccato, etc.), providing left-hand indications for
ronments within the United States of America. In this crescendos and diminuendos, and providing left-hand

CHORAL JOURNAL May 2025 Volume 65 Number 8 57