Much is said about gender disparity and imbalance in the Arts and Education. But, this week, our guest gets personal by sharing some specifics. The microagressions of a male-dominated profession.
In this conversation, Dr. Nicole Mattfeld discusses her experiences as a female choral conductor, highlighting the challenges of gender bias, societal expectations, and the impact of appearance on professionalism in the arts. She shares personal anecdotes about being judged based on her looks rather than her skills, and emphasizes the need for open dialogue about microaggressions and accountability in the music community. The discussion also touches on the importance of increasing female representation in leadership roles within choral music and the performing arts.
- Judgment based on appearance is a recurring theme in her career.
- Microaggressions can undermine confidence and professional credibility.
- Women in music often face different standards and expectations than men.
- The importance of open communication in addressing inappropriate behavior.
- Social media has changed the dynamics of professional interactions.
- Accountability is crucial in addressing harassment in the arts.
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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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Dr. Nicole Mattfeld is Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music at Alma College in Michigan, where she conducts three choral ensembles and teaches courses in conducting and music education. She also serves as the Music Worship Director at Redeemer Church in Dewitt, MI. With a passion for creating lifelong singers and expressing the human condition through singing, Nicole’s varied musical experiences have included working with university, secondary, community adult and youth choirs, as well as various church ensembles and community orchestras. Prior to Alma College, she served as Assistant Professor of Music at Bethel University, Director of Youth Choirs for Minnesota Chorale, Artistic Director & Conductor of Minnesota Center Chorale, Chorus Director for Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra, and Director of Bella Fiore with Sing Out Loud. Before this, she taught secondary choir for over a decade and worked as a hospice therapeutic musician.
A sought-after clinician, Nicole is active across the United States working with schools as a guest conductor and adjudicator at music festivals and conferences. Her choirs have performed nationally and internationally, and she will make her conducting debut at Carnegie Hall with MidAmerica Productions in Spring 2027. Nicole currently serves on the board of American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) of Michigan. She has previously held positions on the boards of ACDA-MN and Minnesota Music Educators Association.
Nicole holds a Doctorate of Music Education degree from Liberty University. Her research is focused on the scientific benefits of music, specifically utilizing HeartMath techniques to enhance heart coherence and physiological entrainment in the choral ensemble. Nicole also has a MM in Conducting from Colorado State University and a BFA in Choral Music Education from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
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