ABSTRACT
The most essential personal characteristic is the desire to be a choral music teacher. Choral music teaching demands a commitment to excellence in order to give students important and rich musical experiences. Adolescents participate in choirs not only because they enjoy performing and learning about music, but also for the social aspect—the connection with people. This connection includes the mentorship by the choir teacher. The pianist is encouraged to play lightly and musically, and particularly on the upright pianos found in many rehearsal rooms which can sound offensively loud due to the strings and soundboard facing the singers. Piano technique exercises train and strengthen the fingers for everything from warm-ups to accompaniments. The choir director should be able to play simple accompaniments, but is not necessarily expected to play more elaborate ones unless he or she is a skilled pianist who chooses to conduct from the piano.
