Choral Clinician Q&A: Get to Know Andy Beck

With over 450 popular choral works, vocal resources, and children's musicals currently in print, Andy Beck is known for being a prolific composer and arranger, and an in-demand guest conductor, choreographer, adjudicator, and clinician for music educators and students in the United States and beyond. A quick search on YouTube will confirm that Andy's music is performed by singers worldwide. Get to know more about Andy's musical upbringing, what inspires him, how he motivates students, and more, and don't miss Andy when he hits the road this summer for our Choral Reading Sessions !

How did you get your start in music?

My parents noticed how much I enjoyed singing around the house, so at the age of 10, they took me to audition for a boys choir. I enjoyed five years touring with that group, all across the USA as well as overseas. What a great opportunity! I learned so much.

What do you remember about your very first lesson?

My very first private lesson (years before I began studying voice) was on the piano. My extremely perceptive teacher quickly noticed that much of my playing was by ear, and not really true to what was notated on the page. She challenged me to learn to read music, while continuing to follow my ear. She explained, "Without the skill to read, you will limit how far you can go. But continue to improvise and create your own music ... maybe someday you'll be a composer." Valuable lessons - and so true!

When did you know you wanted to teach?

As a college student, I was torn between a career in performance or education, so I was preparing for both. But once I set foot in a high school choral classroom (for my senior student teaching), I was hooked. I saw the wonderful effect that great teaching can have ... and I was sure I wanted a career in education! The students in that school, as well as my cooperating teacher, changed my life in such a positive way.

How do you motivate students?

I think motivation develops naturally from equal parts success and challenge. Everyone enjoys the validation of a job well done, so set your students up for many successes and then celebrate each of them. (Be a supportive cheerleader!) But if everything comes too easily, students may loose interest - so raise the bar on expectations often. (Be a demanding coach.)

What inspired you to start composing?

Real students and real singers are always my inspiration. I have two goals in my writing: 1. to create or select texts that resonate with singers; and 2. to compose musical lines that equally show off the beauty of the voice and take the singer to the next level of artistry.