“Mr. Danielson is the best and weirdest teacher I’ve ever had.” This comment from a former student of mine is one of the best compliments I have received about my teaching. I approach music and teaching in the same way I approach life: it should be enjoyable. I take my roles as a conductor and educator seriously, but not myself. To balance the goofiness that is my persona, I also cherish and foster a high level of respect towards and from my students. My goal as a teacher and director of vocal music has always been to give as many opportunities of many varied types of music to as many of my students as possible.
Even though I espouse a buoyant atmosphere, my dedication to precision in conducting and my attention to repertoire selection runs fantastically deep. I am inspired by music with rich harmonies, vibrant dissonances, and digestible text. I want my singers to not only enjoy the process of music making, but to also grow as musicians through the repertoire.
During my many years as a high school choir director, I not only honed my skills as a conductor, but also as a composer. I write at a very high level for my advanced high school and collegiate level choirs, much simpler for my non-auditioned beginning choir, as well as for contemporary a cappella ensembles. I compose each piece with the specific choirs’ voices, needs, and strengths in mind. This process of composing prepared me for the commissions I have received to write for other specific ensembles. In addition to my choral works, I also compose for piano, solo voice, and other instrumental ensembles. I also wrote, directed and starred in a full-length musical, Here to Stay, about my Great-great-great Grandfather. Recently, I have been writing simple melodies using scripture verses as text to help my children memorize and incorporate the verses into their lives.
Family is a central part of why I am a teacher and conductor today. This path helps me maintain a balance between my passion of music, and my desire to be an excellent father for my seven children. It is because with the support and encouragement of my family that the passion gains meaning. And my kids help keep me young and being “the weirdest teacher ever.”
Even though I espouse a buoyant atmosphere, my dedication to precision in conducting and my attention to repertoire selection runs fantastically deep. I am inspired by music with rich harmonies, vibrant dissonances, and digestible text. I want my singers to not only enjoy the process of music making, but to also grow as musicians through the repertoire.
During my many years as a high school choir director, I not only honed my skills as a conductor, but also as a composer. I write at a very high level for my advanced high school and collegiate level choirs, much simpler for my non-auditioned beginning choir, as well as for contemporary a cappella ensembles. I compose each piece with the specific choirs’ voices, needs, and strengths in mind. This process of composing prepared me for the commissions I have received to write for other specific ensembles. In addition to my choral works, I also compose for piano, solo voice, and other instrumental ensembles. I also wrote, directed and starred in a full-length musical, Here to Stay, about my Great-great-great Grandfather. Recently, I have been writing simple melodies using scripture verses as text to help my children memorize and incorporate the verses into their lives.
Family is a central part of why I am a teacher and conductor today. This path helps me maintain a balance between my passion of music, and my desire to be an excellent father for my seven children. It is because with the support and encouragement of my family that the passion gains meaning. And my kids help keep me young and being “the weirdest teacher ever.”
