Sound Advice: Becoming A Better Children's Choir Conductor

Jean Ashworth Bartle is the founder and former music director of the Toronto Children's Chorus. Under her direction, the chorus won multiple awards, including Canada's Healey Willan Prize in 1986. She is the editor of three series of choral music and is an internationally respected speaker on children's choir issues. In 1998, she received Canada's highest civilian honor, the Order of Canada, for her outstanding contribution to the arts in Canada.

"While Sound Advice clearly states that its intended audience is those who work with treble voice choirs, the ideas in this excellent book would be a valuable resource...for those working with community, high school and university choirs as well. ... Sound Advice is a well-written, organized resource. ... This book should be recommended reading for any musician who has the responsibility and privilege of working with children's choirs." --The Recorder, the Journal for the Ontario Music Educators Association

"Bartle uses her words to elevate the teaching of choral music to an art; this facilitates her invitation for readers to manipulate the book's more practical information to fit the parameters of their own teaching situations. Some of the book's strengths are clarity of purpose, a lack of visual clutter, and a positive energy that gives readers confidence without telling them exactly what to do. . . . Jean Ashworth Bartle has produced a text that is filled with advice both accessible and applicable for children's choir directors everywhere. Directors in public schools will find as much helpful content as directors of community choruses. . . . This text should be recommended reading for all choral directors and music teachers, regardless of the types of ensembles they conduct. Sound Advice provides a rare opportunity to see how this master teacher's philosophy is reflected in her pedagogy." --Choral Journal

"Sound Advice: Becoming a Better Children's Choir Conductor is an indispensable resource for the beginning children's choir conductor as well as the seasoned professional. Children's choruses, their artistic and management staffs, and all who care about children who sing in choruses, will value the comprehensive and thoughtful information shared in Jean Ashworth Bartle's newest book." --Judith Willoughby, Artistic Director of the Youth Choral Program of the Canterbury Choral Society

"Jean Ashworth Bartle is one of the world's leading experts on children's choirs. Her dedication to artistic excellence and teaching has enriched the choral profession. This book is a 'must read.'" --Dr. Barbara Tagg, Founder and former Artistic Director, Syracuse Children's Chorus, Syracuse University

"Jean Ashworth Bartle continues to set the standard of excellence for children's choirs and conductors. Her comprehensive knowledge of the choral art for children and her deep sense of beauty, are an inspiration. She is a master." --Anne Tomlinson, Artistic Director, Los Angeles Children's Chorus