Conferences: Why Inspiration Alone Isn’t Enough

 

I’ve always loved attending conferences. Whether it’s NAFME, ACDA, or SING STRONG, they’re truly awe-inspiring. You hear phenomenal ensembles led by top-tier teachers and filled with hard-working students. You sit in curated workshops on relevant, timely topics that challenge and inspire you as a music educator.

Most of us walk away energized and full of ideas. However, there’s one caveat.

Many of us don’t know how to apply what we just observed.

The vast amount of knowledge, while exciting, can also feel overwhelming—even debilitating. Just one workshop on a single topic can be so rich that it feels almost impossible to translate into your own classroom.

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The 1 or 2 Good Ideas Trap

This often leaves us with what I call the “1 or 2 good ideas” approach.

As we hear that amazing ensemble or attend that mind-blowing session, we decide to latch onto a couple of manageable ideas:
“I’m going to add that piece to my program next year—even if we’ll never sound like that.”
“I’m going to try teaching minor solfege.”
“I’m going to let my students break into arranging groups.”

And while those 1 or 2 ideas are fine, they’re often all that sticks from an otherwise incredible experience.

Conferences are awesome. I recommend that every choral director attend them for inspiration, growth, and building relationships with colleagues that can last a lifetime.

But here’s what I know to be true:

There’s a way to do more than just get inspired. There’s a way to take what you learn at a conference and actually apply it effectively into your program.

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The Missing Link: A Clear Framework

The key to applying new ideas from conferences (or anywhere else) lies in having a clear, directed approach to your choral program. When you have a defined framework—and you understand why you do everything you do—new ideas don’t feel like “extra.”

They simply fit.

 

Instead of throwing random ideas at your students, you can gently and purposefully integrate them into your system.

What’s a framework?

In my book, BUILD YOUR DREAM CHORAL PROGRAM: 4 STEPS TO CHORAL SUCCESS, I lay out the four essential steps every director needs to build a successful, sustainable program.

Before you even begin Step 1, you create a clear mission statement that aligns with your teaching philosophy. Every decision flows from that mission.

Here are the 4 Steps:

Step 1: Create a positive, structured learning environment that allows for focused rehearsals and engaged singers.
Step 2: Ensure every singer can match pitch, hold their part, and sing with confidence.
Step 3: Develop musical literacy in all singers, enriching the collective choral experience.
Step 4: Cultivate a tradition of excellence led by motivated student leaders and empowered singers.

Each step builds on the last. You master one before effectively moving on to the next to ensure high-level success.

When you have this framework, conference ideas easily synthesize into what you’re already doing. For example:

  • If your singers are musically literate and engaged, they’ll be excited to try that new music literacy technique you learned.
  • If your rehearsal environment is focused and positive, you’ll feel comfortable breaking into small groups for student-led collaboration.
  • If your students are motivated to practice and take ownership, you can confidently pursue that challenging piece you heard—knowing they’ll rise to the occasion.

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Take the First Step: Get the Book

This framework is laid out in detail in my book, BUILD YOUR DREAM CHORAL PROGRAM: 4 STEPS TO CHORAL SUCCESS. It’s available on Amazon here.

But because I want to help as many directors as possible, I’m also offering the full eBook version for FREE for a limited time!

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Taking the Framework and Getting Results

You now have access to my 180-page book, packed with practical, real-world strategies. This resource can truly be life-changing—it’s designed to help you build a thriving choral program, step by step.

But I don’t want to leave you hanging.

If you’re serious about taking this framework and getting real results, I’m here to personally guide you every step of the way.

That’s where the Choral Clarity Mentorship comes in.

Inside the mentorship, I work directly with directors to:

  • Develop clarity on your mission, so you know exactly where you want to go—and how every decision supports that goal.
  • Implement the 4 steps from the book with confidence and direction.
  • Apply new ideas effectively—from conferences or anywhere else—without overwhelm.
  • Create student buy-in and build a structured, focused rehearsal environment.
  • Achieve consistent growth and success—without sacrificing your personal life.

This is real-time support with personalized strategies tailored to your program, your challenges, and your goals. No fluff. No burnout. Just clarity, progress, and results.

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Let’s turn inspiration into transformation—and build the choral program you’ve always dreamed of. I’m ready to help you make it happen.