A common theme on this show is “teaching the WHOLE language of music.” So, I was pleased to link up with Cindy to hear how important dictation is in her pedagogy. A crucial and often missing element of common teaching practice.
🎙️ What does it take to build a thriving choir program—and a lifelong passion for music? Yes, but also solid pedagogy and TIME with students…
In this episode of The Choralosophy Podcast, I sit down with Cindy Ellis, a choir director from Miami, to explore her incredible journey from growing up in Cuba to shaping young singers in the U.S. Cindy shares how her experiences as an immigrant shaped her approach to teaching, why music literacy is non-negotiable, and how she fosters student independence through composition, dictation, and ear training.
Key discussion topics include:
- Cindy’s personal journey from Cuba to the U.S. and into music education
- The power of dictation and memorization in choral training
- How to bridge the gap between middle and high school music programs
- The importance of student-led learning and independent musicianship
- Why choir directing is more than just music—it’s about building kind, respectful humans
If you’re passionate about choral education, student growth, and the power of music, this episode is a must-listen.
🎧 Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!
Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope
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A native of Holguín, Cuba, Cindy Ellis immigrated to the United States in 2005. She earned her Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education and Jazz Voice from Florida International University and her Master’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Missouri. Mrs. Ellis is a full time choral director at Miami Arts Studio, a 6th-12th grade public performing arts magnet school in Miami, FL. Her middle school and high school ensembles have been featured at numerous venues throughout the country. These include Carnegie Hall (2018 and 2024), the Florida, Southern, and later this year, National Conference of the American Choral Directors Association.
In 2022, Mrs. Ellis’ students performed in Los Angeles for the Summit of the Americas, a meeting hosted by President Joe Biden that brought together 40 Presidents and leaders from the Americas and Caribbean. Additionally, in the last 7 years, the students have recorded and performed background vocals for Gloria and Emilio Estefan and several music award shows including the AMAs, Latin American Music Awards and the Latin GRAMMY Awards. Earlier this year, Mrs. Ellis conducted her students at the Miami show of Jacob Collier’s DJESSE Volume 4 World Tour. Beyond her school responsibilities, she frequently performs, conducts honor choirs and teaches masterclasses for music directors and students from elementary to college throughout North America. As a jazz vocal soloist and alto with the Jason Max Ferdinand Singers, she collaborated with Jacob Collier for performances at the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and recording projects including a performance alongside Coldplay for NBC’s Saturday Night Live and a 2024 BBC Proms Music Festival concert in London, UK.
In 2020, Mrs. Ellis was published by GIA Publications as a contributing author on “Teaching with Heart,” and in 2022, she served as instructional design editor and contributing author of “Teaching Beyond the Music,” the second edition in the series. Ellis is Miami Arts Studio’s 2025 Teacher of the Year, a 2025 Grammy Music Educator Semi-Finalist, and currently serves as the World Musics & Cultures Coordinator for the American Choral Directors Association Southern Region.
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