James Jordan, is recognized and praised around the musical world as one of the nation’s pre-eminent conductors, writers and innovators in choral music. The author of more than 30 books and DVDs on all aspects of the choral art, he has been described as a “visionary” by The Choral Journal.  Grammophone (2010), hailed him as a conductor of “forceful and intimate choral artistry.”  The American Record Guide has praised his recordings as “without peer.” His career and publications have been devoted to innovative educational changes in the choral art, which have been embraced around the world.  His conducting book, Evoking Sound, was named as a “must read” on a list of six books by The Choral Journal.  Dr. Jordan is professor and senior conductor at Westminster Choir College, where he conducts Westminster Schola Cantorum and the Westminster Williamson Voices.  His recent recording on Naxos, Living Voices: The Music of James Whitbourn, is enjoying wide critical acclaim, described as “superb” by Grammophone.  It debuted at number 22 on the Billboard Classical Music charts.

Dr. Jordan’s latest book, The Conductor’s Gesture (GIA) is a comprehensive and groundbreaking text that is a culmination of over 30 years of research and teaching, which applies the work of movement and dance icon, Rudolf Laban to conducting.  Dr. Jordan’s residencies, master classes and guest conducting have covered the United States and Canada at such institutions as The Curtis Institute of Music, The University of North Texas, Hope College, The University of Arizona, West Chester University, The University of Northern Colorado, The University of Utah and The US Army Soldiers Chorus in Washington, D.C. In addition he has led workshops for divisional and national meetings of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), The Canadian Choral Directors Association, CBDNA and the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and the National Pastoral Musicians.   He has conducted more than 30 All-State Choirs, and in 2009 he was named to the choral panel for The National Endowment for the Arts.  Dr. Jordan serves as artistic director of The Westminster Conducting Institute, one of the leading summer programs for the training and education of conductors in the United States.

Dr. Jordan’s lecture/teaching schedule and writings are detailed on his website, http://www.evokingsound.com/and his publisher’s website, http://www.giamusic.com/bios/jordan_james.cfm.