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Wooten: I am grateful for mentors that take my calls, the opportunities it will offer you: are you interested in
challenge me when I am stuck, and offer correction working in opera? Is it more important that you have
when I am wrong. To me, the best learning is indirect. your own ensemble to conduct? Do you want experi-
Simply watching their impact, field engagement, and ence teaching conducting?
the fruits of their ongoing scholarship prompt me to Many colleges and universities are looking for in-
be honest in my work. Their stamp on my approach is structors who have teaching experience. Conducting
community—knowing that there is safety and grace for school choral ensembles prior to pursuing a terminal
growth in the abundance of trusted counselors. degree will increase the odds of getting an interview for
a collegiate role. This is because prior teaching experi-
ence is invaluable for developing your pedagogy and
What advice would you offer directors who may teaching philosophy.
be interested in pursuing a career in higher ed- Finally, do research about what a career in high-
ucation? er education looks like. People do not always have an
accurate picture of the job profile. Make sure you are
Burk: The field of higher education is about to un- choosing this career based on reality rather than an
dergo (and, in some places, is already undergoing) a idealized perception.
somewhat painful metamorphosis as enrollments de-
cline. My advice would be to think as strategically as Wooten: Higher education is filled with disaster sto-
possible. Even while you are still in a doctoral program, ries. It is important to stay connected to your purpose
find measurable ways choral music can serve not only for entering this arena. No one hands you your worth.
current students but institutions as a whole. Enter the academy knowing exactly who you are and
what you are capable of. Trust that the very best of
Myers: My first advice is to learn everything that you your training will intersect with your uniqueness as a
can on your own before you pursue graduate degrees. human and educator. Make necessary pivots and ex-
This normally equates to devoting several years to its that are grounded in wisdom and respect for your
teaching and conducting experiences after receiving a needs and well-being.
bachelor’s degree. Then, you will head into graduate
school with much more awareness of your strengths
as a conductor and rehearsal technician as well as the
areas in which you want to improve. If you approach
your graduate studies knowing exactly what you would
like to improve upon, you will be able to shape your Related Topic from the Archives:
learning experience and make the degrees more mean-
ingful. Once you land a job in higher education, know "Singing Success Representing Primarily
that there is much more to the job than teaching. The
expectations for scholarly research, creative activity, Undergraduate Institutions"
and institutional service will take up a significant por- by Wendy K. Moy and Bryan E. Nichols
tion of your time. Be careful to manage your time, and (August 2023)
avoid allowing work to overtake every aspect of your
life!

Petite: Do thorough research before choosing a grad-
uate program. Your relationship with your major pro-
fessor is going to be the key to your success or failure
in school. You also want to choose a program based on

CHORAL JOURNAL September 2025 Volume 66 Number 2 31