Rowman & Littlefield Publishers The Confident Choir: A Handbook for Leaders of Group Singing

The Confident Choir is an exploration of conditions affecting the confidence levels in singers of all levels to create an accessible synthesis of the psychological models and offer practical confidence-building strategies for conductors, teachers, community musicians, and workshop leaders. Michael Bonshor combines his experience as a singing teacher and choral director with a series of in-depth interviews that give an intimate depiction of the challenges faced by the contemporary choral singer. These insights provide the basis for a range of suggested techniques to bolster confidence and reduce anxiety in the group-singing context. This book is primarily designed as a guide for leaders of amateur group singing activities and is relevant to choirs of all sizes and genres. The content will appeal to singers, teachers, and choir leaders; students and scholars in the fields of choral research, community music, music psychology, and adult education; and educators training the musical leaders of the future. Review Michael Bonshor has created the new number one companion for every Choral Conductor. His assiduously tailored chapters provide insights, tips and strategies to create confidence, clear direction, sound communication, and a positive contagion from both sides of the podium.--Robert T. Elliott, festival director, Cornwall International Male Choral Festival Ltd<br \><br \>This realistic, well researched and practical guide provides conductors and scholars with transformative advice for building confidence in choirs. Bonshor's comprehensive approach and coherent writing provide pragmatic solutions for all readers. An influential book which will stimulate motivation and inspire confidence! --Mary Black, post-doctoral research fellow, Music Department, Leeds University This immensely thoughtful yet extremely practical book is based on a satisfying mixture of established psychological and pedagogical research, and Michael Bonshor's own qualitative research and experience of directing groups of singers in a wide variety of settings. I will almost certainly revisit this book at the beginning of each new choral society season to remind myself how to get the best out of my choir! --Matthew Redfearn, conductor and music director, Glossop Choral Society This fascinating new book is a great resource for both beginners and experienced practitioners working with amateur singers who seek to develop their professional skills and knowledge within this field. This scholarly yet richly practical guide is supported by checklists and thought provoking statements from singers and conductors relating to collective singing performances. The book is underpinned by the extensive expert professional experience of the author and will be of significant interest and value to all who lead amateur singing ensembles. --Joy Hill, choral conductor, Royal College of Music Junior Department About the Author Michael Bonshor is an honorary research fellow and associate lecturer in the Department of Music at the University of Sheffield. He is also a past Early Career Research Fellow at the Institute of Musical Research, Royal Holloway, University of London. He has performed internationally as a professional singer and had a longstanding career as a singing teacher, accompanist, workshop leader and conductor.