DIRECTOR'S CONFERENCES

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Matthew Gawronski is a teacher, composer, author, and digital resource creator. Over the past 15 years, he has taught everything from elementary general music through high school choir, culminating in his most recent role as the 7th and 8th Grade Choral Director at Weber Middle School in Port Washington, New York. His dedication extends beyond the school setting, serving as the Choir Director for Church of the Good Shepherd in Ozone Park, New York for the past 16 years. Matthew has made a significant impact on music education through the creation of Three Minute Theory, an engaging and interactive curriculum that has helped tens of thousands of students enhance their musical skills. As a published author, he wrote Why Altos “Never” Sing the Melody…, a witty and insightful take on the unique voices that shape a choir. In addition to his work in education and writing, he continues to develop digital vocal warm-ups, sight-singing tools, and other music resources that have been widely adopted by music educators and musicians around the world.

 

1. Know Their Range: Practical Tools for Voice Testing and Development

Overview: A hands-on session offering tools and activities for identifying vocal ranges, assigning voice parts, and tracking development throughout the year.

 

2. Navigating the Changing Voice: Challenges & Solutions

Overview: This session explores the vocal journey of adolescent singers, with practical strategies for identifying vocal changes, tracking vocal range progress, and adapting appropriate repertoire.

 

3. Gamifying the Choir Room: Creative Strategies to Inspire Your Singers

Overview: Turn everyday choir routines into high-engagement experiences through classroom-tested games, challenges, and rewards that build musical skills while boosting morale.

 

4. Hearing Before Singing: Unlocking the Power of Audiation

Overview: Before a student can sight-sing confidently, they must be able to hear internally. This session offers strategies to build audiation skills and connect the ear to the voice.

 

5. Sight Singing Simplified: Building Skills, Not Guesses

Overview: A fresh take on demystifying sight singing by breaking it down into teachable routines. Additional focus on the emotional intelligence aspect of sight-reading as a means for personal growth.