Gospel Conducting 101
Maria A. Ellis
Learn from someone who has been teaching gospel music for over 25 years.
“Most people haven’t learned how to sing gospel authentically because these techniques aren’t taught in classical music programs. There are specific performance practices in gospel music, just like with Bach or Brahms.” – Maria A. Ellis
Included in the Masterclass:
- Specific gestures for gospel vs classical repertoire
- Gospel Warmups for your ensemble
- Training the ear for gospel harmonies
- Healthy singing techniques
- Benefits of learning by rote for authenticity
- Tall vowel vs spread vowel
- Understanding the gospel pulse
- 4/4 time won’t get the sound you want
- Repertoire suggestions
- Free Access to “Marvelous Warm-up”
Meet Your Professor
Maria A. Ellis is a very passionate music educator and choral conductor. She currently serves as the Director of The Sheldon’s City of Music All-Star Chorus and is the host of Bach and Beyoncé - The Radio Show on Classic 107.3 FM The Voice for the Artsin St. Louis, MO. Maria is an active clinician, adjudicator and presenter throughout the United States and abroad. Maria holds a B.M. in Music Education emphasis on Voice (K-12 Certified) Degree from the University of Missouri- St. Louis.
She has served as a host for The St. Louis Symphony's Link Up Program, The Community Engagement Manager for The St. Louis Children's Choirs and an Ensemble Director for The St. Louis Children's Choirs new Virtual Chorus. Maria is the Repertoire and Resource Chair of Inclusivity for the Missouri Choral Directors Association. She is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association, National Association of Music Educators, Missouri Alliance for Arts Education and holds Level 3 Certification from the CME Institute for Choral Teacher Education. Maria is the owner of Girl Conductor LLC which provides diverse music education resources.