Voice change occurs in all voices, and it’s important to find ways to encourage and support your singers throughout the process (and keep them singing).

As a middle or high school choir director, you need to know what to look for, how to evaluate your singers, and how to support and encourage them throughout the process.

Considered one of the leading authorities on this topic, Cooksey outlined five stages of vocal change and transformation in the adolescent male voice:

As a youth choir director, you know what it’s like to balance the responsibilities of being a teacher and a friend, a spiritual leader and confidant.

You know the challenges and rewards of building community and creating a safe, supportive environment where all can be seen and heard and valued.

But how do you approach musical growth and development at this age? How do you handle the unpredictability of changing voices? In the age of smartphones and short attention spans, how do you keep them focused and engaged during rehearsals?

Here are a few helpful tips for working with 9th-12th grade singers: