Month: January 2026

As much as we would love it to not be the case, Americans still see Black Musicians and make certain assumptions. Black Choir? It must be gospel? Black Band? It must be high steppers and baton twirlers. The issue is not these proud musical traditions. The issue is the box that stereotypes put people in.

Hear to discuss the issue and its nuances is Dr. Craig L. Robertson, a choir director at HBCU, Virginia State University. He reflects on his upbringing in a military family, which exposed him to diverse cultures and experiences, shaping his perspective on music and education. The discussion then delves into the misconceptions surrounding HBCU choirs, particularly the assumption that they are primarily gospel choirs. Dr. Robertson emphasizes the importance of recognizing the diversity and skill within these ensembles, advocating for a broader appreciation of their repertoire.

We also touch on the significance of music literacy and the role of educators in expanding students’ musical horizons. Dr. Robertson shares personal anecdotes about his passion for teaching and the joy he finds in watching students break cultural stereotypes through music. The episode concludes with reflections on the impact of diverse experiences on personal growth and the importance of embracing all aspects of one’s cultural heritage.

🎧 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

Be Sure to Find Choralosophy on TikTok!

For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and FB!

Dr. Craig L. Robertson is Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music at Virginia State University, where he conducts the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers and teaches applied voice, conducting, and choral music education. Under his leadership, the VSU choral program has grown from 15 to more than 60 singers and has earned national visibility through performances at major conferences, festivals, and special events. In 2026, Dr. Robertson and the VSU Concert Choir were invited to perform during the inauguration ceremonies of Governor‑elect Abigail Spanberger, the first female governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

His work also includes a collaborative research initiative with UCLA exploring the choral music of Dr. Undine Smith Moore through archival study, oral histories, and performance. A sought‑after guest conductor and clinician, Dr. Robertson regularly works with honor choirs and presents at music education conferences. He holds degrees from Virginia State University, Georgia State University, and the University of Colorado Boulder.

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Sometimes as performing artists, we are hyper focused on “the polished finished product.” Tori Longdon creates stunning finished products, but along the way, she is letting people in to see how the sausage is made in warm ups. And people LOVE it.

Maybe there is something important there. An insight brought about by the social media algorithms.

In this conversation, Tori Longdon shares her journey in choral music, discussing her roles as a conductor and educator. She explores the cultural differences in choir experiences between the UK and the US, the importance of music education, and the challenges faced in engaging students. Tori emphasizes the significance of creating safe spaces for singers, overcoming negative experiences, and the need for effective warm-up techniques. She also highlights her online presence going WILD on Instagram, and upcoming projects aimed at widening access to choral music education.

🎧 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

Be Sure to Find Choralosophy on TikTok!

For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and FB!

Tori Longdon is the Associate Chorus Director of the London Philharmonic Choir, and Principal Conductor of the Covent Garden Chorus. She is in demand internationally following her work on the King’s Coronation Concert in May 2023 when she coached eighteen choirs from around the United Kingdom to perform for the king.

Tori recently chorus-mastered her first Prom concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London, and travels the world leading masterclasses and adjudicating competitions, most recently in Germany (July ’24) Australia (May ’24) and Finland (September ’23) and Austria (November ’23). She has lectured for the Artist Development postgraduate course at the Royal Academy of Music, and for the musicianship course at the Junior Guildhall Conservatoire.

Tori is currently a conductor for Songs Of Praise on BBC1, as well as an adjudicator for ‘Young Choir Of The Year’ and ‘Young Chorister Of The Year’. She appeared on BBC2 as a judge on two series’ of the ‘The Choir’. As a broadcaster, she has interviewed some of classical music’s most famous names, including Marin Alsop, John Rutter, Sir Karl Jenkins, Sofi Jeannin and Christopher Tin. 

She is the co-founder of the Stay At Home Choir, an international community of more than 29,000 choral singers which she leads together with Swingles baritone Jamie Wright.

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Choralosophy Podcast (@choralosophy) • Instagram photos and videos

@choralosophypodca