Building Trust Within Ensembles

The Word of the Year is Trust

Each new school year brings promise and possibility. To make the most of this fresh start, I like to set an intention - one word to guide me through the year. It helps me stay centered and prioritize the wellbeing of my community.

Two years ago, the word was compassion. Last year, cultivation. This year, the word is trust.

Trust is about the surrender of control. It’s an invitation to share responsibility. It depends on relationships and respect. Mutual trust dissolves hierarchies, gives people the freedom to grow, and helps them live up to their potential. Within an ensemble, it builds a collective mentality - a sense that we’re in this together.

“He who does not trust enough, will not be trusted.” - Lao Tsu

This past summer, I learned to say “I trust you” out loud to my ensembles from Vince Peterson of Choral Chameleon. It has since become one of my favorite phrases. It almost feels like saying “I love you,” but with mutual accountability. Those three words open up space for artistry and expression. They motivate singers far more than micromanaging ever could.

10 Ways to Build Trust in Your Ensemble

1. Step off the podium.

   Give students chances to rehearse in sections or conduct themselves. They’ll learn the music more deeply by showing it through gesture.

   
   

2. Establish leadership within the ensemble.

   Section leaders build communication, care, and confidence - especially for shyer singers or EAL students.

   
   

3. Share the vision.

   Involve the singers in planning. Ask: What do we want the audience to feel? or What message do we want to share? Then brainstorm the concert program together.

   
   

4. Be vulnerable and honest.

   Model openness. Show that mistakes are part of artistry. When we admit our own mistakes, singers feel freer to take risks.

   
   

5. Prioritize helpfulness.

   Tune into how singers are doing physically, emotionally, and artistically. Ask what they need from you.

   
   

6. Communicate clearly.

   Share rehearsal goals and even visual plans to reduce anxiety and support understanding for all learners.

   
   

7. Recognize unique artistry.

   Each singer hears and expresses differently. Celebrate that diversity - it multiplies creative possibilities.

   
   

8. Give feedback objectively, not prescriptively.

   “That sounded like mezzo-piano - does that match the score?” is far more empowering than, “start mezzo-piano, crescendo to mezzo-forte by measure sixteen.”

   
   

9. Approach vocal challenges gently.

   Because a singer's instrument is their body, comments about sound can easily feel personal. Use supportive and inviting language like, “we’re with you, tenors!”

   
   

10. Celebrate independence.

    Praise artistic initiative. Recognize when singers take responsibility for their musicianship, technique, and collaboration.

“People become trustworthy when they are trusted.” - Madeleine L’Engle

When singers feel trusted, they take ownership of their instruments, their sound, and their community. Building trust within ensembles creates a more equal power dynamic between conductor and musicians and invites everyone to bring their full musical selves.

I’m eager to keep exploring what trust sounds like in rehearsal and performance this year - and I’d love to hear your stories too. How have you built trust in your ensembles?

#trust #choirteacher