Scott Hochstetler

Scott Hochstetler is Professor of Music at Goshen College, teaching choral, vocal, and opera/musical theater programs while directing Camerata Singers, Northern Indiana's premier professional chamber choir. Previously appointed at Western Mennonite School, University of Michigan–Flint, and Corban College, he maintains active conducting roles across academic, church, and community ensembles.

His educational background includes:

• BA in Music and Biology, Goshen College (1997)
• MM in Conducting and Voice, University of Michigan (2000)
• MAT in Education, Western Oregon University (2005)
• DMA in Choral Conducting, Michigan State University (2008)

Hochstetler's research centers on choral diction systems and socio-political dimensions of peace-themed choral works. His scholarship bridges linguistic precision with philosophical inquiry, particularly examining how composers like Vaughan Williams encode federalist ideals in musical structures. This dual focus manifests in both practical pedagogical tools and analytical musicology.

His publications reveal a consistent thread linking linguistic rigor to broader cultural narratives. The German diction guide provides essential performance resources, while the Vaughan Williams analysis demonstrates how choral masterworks engage with political theory. Both works emphasize music's capacity to transcend artistic boundaries and participate in societal discourse.

Award highlights include:

• Five Mininger Grants (2017-2010) for vocal pedagogy research
• Four-time recognition as Teacher of Indiana NATS Competition Winners
• Dissertation Completion Award from Michigan State University (2007)
• Emerging Conductor Scholarship (2001)

As an advisor, Hochstetler has guided students to national competition victories and advanced degrees at Yale and Ball State. His mentorship produced *The Voice* winners Josh and Caleb Liechty (of Girl Named Tom), while Mininger Grants funded critical research in contemporary commercial music pedagogy and international diction studies.

Hochstetler founded the Goshen College Low Voice Festival and directs the Men’s Chorus and Chamber Choir. He collaborates extensively with regional orchestras including Elkhart County Symphony and Fort Wayne Philharmonic, preparing choruses for major works like Beethoven's Ninth Symphony (2023) and Verdi's Requiem (2015), while leading the Mennonite Schools Council choral festivals (2024, 2016).