How I Avoided Choir Teacher Burnout After 27 Years in the Classroom

(And How You Can Build a Sustainable Choir Program, Too)

After 27 years of teaching choir in the same district, I can say — with complete honesty and deep gratitude — I’m not burned out.

I’m energized.
I still love what I do.
And I still show up every day excited to teach.

That doesn’t mean the journey was smooth or easy. I’ve experienced:

  • New administrators and shifting priorities
  • Changing teaching loads and student demographics
  • Major world events — from 9/11 and COVID to October 7th, which deeply affected our large Jewish community

Through it all, one truth has remained:

Everything in education changes — and yet, we don’t have to burn out.

Why I’m Still Energized — Not Exhausted

Most teachers I know are running on fumes. They feel overworked, underappreciated, and overwhelmed. Choir teacher burnout is real — and common.

But I’m proof that there’s another path.
I’ve built a program rooted in:

✅ Clarity
✅ Consistency
✅ Student ownership

That combination keeps the program thriving — without draining me dry.

My Mission: Teaching Life Through Choral Music

At the core of my program is a clear mission:
To teach life through the art of choral music.

That means cultivating:

  • Responsibility
  • Integrity
  • Compassion
  • Leadership
  • Ownership

These aren’t political values. They’re human values.

Everything I do — from how I structure rehearsal to the repertoire I select — reinforces that mission. And over time, it’s led to a program that feels both powerful and sustainable.

My 4-Step System for a Sustainable Choir Program

I share this entire framework in my book:
Build Your Dream Choral Program: 4 Steps to Choral Success
(Just $5 right now — normally $50!)
Get the Book Here

Here’s the 4-step system that’s kept me grounded, energized, and burnout-free:

✅ Step 1: Create a Safe, Structured Environment

Not “safe spaces” in the modern buzzword sense. This is about clear, consistent expectations — taught, reinforced, and upheld daily.

When students feel secure and know what to expect, they thrive. And when they thrive, you do too.

Try SIGHT READING FACTORY and save 10% using code: choralclarity

✅ Step 2: Ensure Every Student Contributes Musically

I make it a priority to help every student match pitch — even those who “can’t sing.”

It’s the baseline for engagement and community.

I even created an entire course called How to Teach Anyone to Match Pitch to walk teachers through the exact method I use.
When everyone participates, your choir becomes a connected, confident team.

Flat.io – the best online notation program on the planet – save $$ with this link! (all of my pieces have been written on Flat.io over the past 5 years)

✅ Step 3: Build Deep Music Literacy

This goes far beyond note-reading. We focus on:

  • Vocal technique
  • Ear training
  • Music theory that’s practical
  • Repertoire analysis
  • Musical history and context

When students understand what they’re singing, their investment skyrockets — and so does their progress.

HOW TO TEACH USEFUL MUSIC LITERACY TO YOUR CHOIR!

Try SIGHT READING FACTORY and save 10% using code: choralclarity

✅ Step 4: Transfer Ownership to the Students

This is where the magic happens — and where burnout ends.

Students begin to:

  • Lead rehearsals and warmups
  • Conduct
  • Run sectionals
  • Create traditions
  • Form student-run ensembles

The more they lead, the less you have to manage. The program becomes student-powered — and that’s where the sustainability begins.

Living in Step 4

I’ve been living in Step 4 for years.

I leave school without stress.
I have time to rest, write, exercise, and enjoy my family.
I show up every day inspired — not drained.

You don’t have to sacrifice your personal life to make a difference.
You can run a high-level choir and still enjoy your summer.
You can teach for decades and love what you do.

Want the Same for Yourself?

Here are two ways to start building a burnout-proof choir program:

Get My Book for Just $5

Build Your Dream Choral Program: 4 Steps to Choral Success
Normally $50 — now just $5.
Get the full system and start building your ideal program today.
Click here to grab your copy

Join the Choral Clarity Collective

This is my private membership for middle and high school choir directors who want:

  • The full book
  • 5 structured, on-demand courses
  • Live Q&A calls with me twice monthly
  • A supportive, private community
  • Zero long-term commitment — just $25/month

Learn more and join here

You Deserve This

Let next year be your best year yet — filled with clarity, energy, and purpose.
Your students will thank you.
And your future self will, too.

CHORAL CLARITY COLLECTIVE – LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS CUTTING-EDGE COMMUNITY!