Biography
James Jordan (born 1953) is an American conductor, writer, and professor recognized as one of the United States' leading innovators in choral music. He earned a Bachelor of Music from Susquehanna University, where he initially pursued pre-med before changing his major to music after being initially rejected by the Music Education Department—a rejection that impressed faculty with his determination. He continued his education at Temple University, earning both a Master of Music in choral conducting and a Doctor of Philosophy in the psychology of music. Jordan's introduction to choral music came unexpectedly when he attended a Luther College Choir concert as a college student, an experience that inspired his lifelong dedication to the field despite never singing in high school.
Throughout his career, Jordan has established himself as a prolific author and innovative educator. Since publishing his foundational book The Musician's Soul in 1999, he has written over 60 books published under the GIA Publications label, with Evoking Sound: Fundamentals of Choral Conducting and Rehearsing recognized as a "must read" by The Choral Journal. At Westminster Choir College in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, he serves as Senior Conductor and directs the Williamson Voices recording ensemble. His scholarly contributions include pioneering work in applying Laban Movement Analysis to conducting pedagogy and advocating case study methodology in music education research. Jordan has conducted more than 30 All-State Choirs and served on the choral panel for The National Endowment for the Arts in 2009.
Jordan's artistic achievements have garnered international recognition and numerous honors. In 2013, his recording of James Whitbourn's Annelies with the Williamson Voices received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Choral Performance. He was awarded a Doctor of Music degree by the University of Aberdeen in Scotland in 2014 and received the Iorio Research Prize from Rider University in 2012. His influence extends globally through residencies, master classes, and guest conducting throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. Currently, he co-directs the Choral Institute at Oxford with composer James Whitbourn and is working to revise music education curricula in Chinese public schools, while focusing his research on choral improvisation.
Fun Facts
- Jordan was not a serious musician until entering Susquehanna University and was initially rejected from the Music Education Department—his determination impressed faculty enough to enroll him anyway, setting the stage for his distinguished career.
- He fell in love with choral music after attending a Luther College Choir concert with his now-wife, despite never having sung in high school, demonstrating that passion for music can develop at any stage.
- The Williamson Voices recording of James Whitbourn's Annelies under Jordan's direction received a Grammy Award nomination in 2013, with Choir and Organ magazine praising his work as creating 'a profound and emotionally charged experience.'
- Jordan is currently working to revise the music education curriculum in Chinese public schools while simultaneously co-running an annual summer choral program at Oxford University, demonstrating his global influence on music education.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Elaine Brown - Teacher and mentor during graduate studies (Choral conducting pedagogy) [1970s-1980s]
- Wilhelm Ehmann - Teacher and mentor during graduate studies (Choral conducting and interpretation) [1970s-1980s]
- Frauke Haasemann - Teacher and mentor during graduate studies (Choral conducting methodology) [1970s-1980s]
Key Collaborators
- James Whitbourn - Composer and co-director of the Choral Institute at Oxford; frequent recording collaborations (Annelies (Grammy-nominated recording), Angels in the Architecture) [2000s-present]
- Westminster Williamson Voices - Ensemble directed by Jordan; primary recording and performance group (Multiple recordings on Naxos label including works by James Whitbourn) [2000s-present]
Artists Influenced
- Choral conductors and music educators worldwide - Through his 60+ published books and innovative pedagogical approaches using Laban Movement Analysis (Evoking Sound, The Musician's Soul, The Musician's Spirit, The Choral Ensemble Warm-Up) [1996-present]
- Westminster Choir College students - As Senior Conductor and professor training the next generation of choral musicians and conductors (Westminster Schola Cantorum, Westminster Williamson Voices, Westminster Conducting Institute) [1990s-present]
Connection Network
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
James Jordan has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 5, 2026 | 13:57 | Outta My Mindfrom Single | New Orleans Music Showw/ Murf Reeves |