Sounds Good

Sounds Good

In Sounds Good, you meet people who stand out in their field and live and breathe for choirs. Here they share their thoughts and experiences and talk about topics that are interesting for both conductors and singers.

  1. Choir vs. AI: The Human Voice Will Always Win

    12/10/2025

    Choir vs. AI: The Human Voice Will Always Win

    AI can mimic voices and generate entire performances — but can it ever replace the magic of a choir? In Part Two of our Future of Choir mini-series, host Jaclyn Normandie is joined again by Chris Eanes, President and CEO of Chorus America, to explore what makes singing together fundamentally human. From the breath we share to the silence between notes, this episode asks: in an AI-saturated world, why will the human voice always win? Discover more about Dr. Eanes and Chorus American at: https://chorusamerica.org Any thoughts? Contact us: podcast@soundsgood.as

    18 min
  2. The Death of Classical Music? Think Again.

    11/14/2025

    The Death of Classical Music? Think Again.

    In this episode of Sounds Good, host Dr. Jaclyn Normandie welcomes Chris Eanes, President & CEO of Chorus America, for a deep dive into the claim that "classical music is dying." Where did this idea come from, and why does it keep resurfacing? Is the narrative actually true — or does choral music offer a radically different story? Across three themes, Jaclyn and Chris unpack the resilience of choirs, the cultural role they play as community "third spaces," and why choral music might be uniquely positioned to thrive in the future. They explore whether a "living canon" is still forming today, which composers might stand the test of centuries, and how choirs can honor tradition while embracing the repertoire of right now. This conversation reframes the future of choir as vibrant, evolving, and deeply human. Topics Covered: • Why the "death of classical music" narrative persists • How choral music differs from other classical institutions • Choir as a community anchor and third space • Why choirs shouldn't compare themselves to orchestras • The emergence of a living choral canon • Balancing tradition with contemporary relevance Next Episode: Part Two of The Future of Choir explores the intersection of choral music and technology — including whether AI can ever rival the experience of singing together. Any thoughts? Contact us: podcast@soundsgood.as

    18 min
  3. Dr. Burak Onur Erdem: Choral Music as a Force for Peace and Connection

    09/08/2025

    Dr. Burak Onur Erdem: Choral Music as a Force for Peace and Connection

    In this inspiring episode, we speak with Dr. Burak Onur Erdem, principal conductor of the Turkish State Polyphonic Choir and vice president of the International Federation of Choral Music (IFCM). Dr. Erdem shares his remarkable journey from political science to choral conducting, and explores the transformative power of collective singing. As festival director of the 2023 World Symposium on Choral Music in Istanbul, Burak offers profound insights into how choirs serve as instruments of peace, identity, and social change. From the Estonian Singing Revolution to microtonal music traditions, we discuss how choral music transcends cultural boundaries and creates genuine human connection. Dr. Erdem reflects on mentorship from Maria Guinand and Johannes Prinz, the meditative act of breathing together in choir, and why silence is as important as sound. This conversation will resonate with anyone who believes in music's power to heal divisions and build bridges. Learn more about Dr. Burak Onur Erdem: http://www.burakonurerdem.com Podcast host: Jaclyn Normandie from the Modern Conducting Academy: https://www.modernconductingacademy.com Any thoughts? Contact us: podcast@soundsgood.as

    41 min
  4. Leading with passion: Insights from award-winning choir conductor Thomas Caplin

    05/01/2024

    Leading with passion: Insights from award-winning choir conductor Thomas Caplin

    In this episode, we speak with Thomas Caplin, a well-respected professor of choir leadership, composer, singer, and clinician, known for his pedagogical approach to choir leadership. He was awarded 'Conductor of the year' by The Norwegian Choir Association in 2004, and conducts the award-winning youth choir Defrost in Norway. Thomas is passionate about the socio-psychological environment in any choir and has many words of wisdom for choir leaders of all genres and levels. Read more and get in touch with Thomas here: https://www.thomascaplin.com Any thoughts? Contact us: podcast@soundsgood.as

    26 min
  5. Philip Read: Fusing Male Choir Harmony with Wellbeing

    03/08/2024

    Philip Read: Fusing Male Choir Harmony with Wellbeing

    Philip Read, a passionate conductor and member of The Spooky Men's Chorale, advocates for male mental health through the power of choir. He's the founder of The Best Sing Since Sliced Bread and organizes 'Singing in the Shed', a welcoming festival that encourages men of all backgrounds to experience the joy of singing. Discover more about this inclusive and transformative singing weekend at Singing in the Shed: https://www.singingintheshed.co.uk Any thoughts? Contact us: podcast@soundsgood.as

    27 min
  6. Single Singers - a global, dynamic, ever changing choir

    12/04/2023

    Single Singers - a global, dynamic, ever changing choir

    Annemarie Homan had a brilliant idea for all the singers who want to join vocal festivals to perform, but don't have a group or choir to travel with; The Single Singers. What do they do and how can you join? Listen on! Want to join the Single Singers? Send an e-mail to info@thesinglesingers.com or visit their Facebook-page: https://www.facebook.com/TheSingleSingers Any thoughts? Contact us: podcast@soundsgood.as

    22 min
  7. Total Choir Resources - a network for all conductors

    11/11/2023

    Total Choir Resources - a network for all conductors

    Christine Mulgrew is one half of the brains behind Total Choir Resources. She shares with us about the importance of a community for conductors, the importance of community choirs and how anyone anywhere can become a conductor. She also tells us about her exciting new project, bringing together conductors from all over the world! Join Choir Leader Link: http://choirleaderlink.com Have a look TOTAL CHOIR RESOURCES: https://www.totalchoirresources.com Or join their online community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tcrmastermind Any thoughts? Contact us: podcast@soundsgood.as

    21 min
  8. Dr. Amy Bebbington for the Association of British Choral Directors (ABCD)

    10/12/2023

    Dr. Amy Bebbington for the Association of British Choral Directors (ABCD)

    Sounds Good host and ChoirMate ambassador Dyveke Kuløy talks to Dr. Amy Bebbington, Head of the training programme for the Association of British Choral Directors (ABCD), in London, UK. Amy is a highly trained and skilled conductor with plenty of advice for aspiring conductors and for those who've been in the game for a while! Amy has worked closely with the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain as Course Director, Musicianship Tutor and Guest Tutor. She has performed in award-winning choirs and has choral works published by Banks Music Publications and Multitude of Voyces. Amy has had the pleasure of adjudicating for both the Derry and Cork International Choral Festivals, Feis Ceoil (Dublin), Choir of the Year, Music for Youth National Festival and the Cheltenham Music Festival, among many others. As a teacher trainer/animateur, she has worked for Trinity/Open University, Glyndebourne Education, Sing for Pleasure, Youth Music and Music of Life. Amy is in great demand as a choral clinician, mentor and teacher, and is currently Musical Director for Harlequin Chamber Choir, Corra Sound, Nota Bene, and the Sempre Fidelis Singers (Gordon's School). Want to join one of ABCD's courses? You can find more information here: https://www.abcd.org.uk/training Any thoughts? Contact us: podcast@soundsgood.as

    25 min
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About

In Sounds Good, you meet people who stand out in their field and live and breathe for choirs. Here they share their thoughts and experiences and talk about topics that are interesting for both conductors and singers.

Information

  • Creator
    Sounds Good
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Sounds Good
  • Show Website
    Sounds Good