Testimonials

I have had the pleasure of studying and working with a wonderful, creative teacher by the name of W. J. Hoel.  As a student I felt very prepared to attend the University of Illinois as a music education major.  I was comfortable that my training with Mr. Hoel's methods would help me in my studies at the university and after.  Not only did I have a successful college experience, but my students have directly benefited from my knowledge and training.  The choirs at Crown Point High School have performed exceptionally well at the Indiana State School Music Association choral contests (which include a sight-singing evaluation) and have qualified for the State Finals Contest twice.  Mr. Hoel's methods helped me as a performer and a teacher, and another generation of students have learned from him as well.

Joanne Haley-Borodine
Crown Point High School Music Teacher

I cannot tell you how many times I have benefited from the music theory we learned as high school freshman.  I have met many choreographers who do not read music and I cannot comprehend how much more difficult it would be to create a piece if you can't "see" it.  Mr. Hoel, I have to thank you once again for what you have given me.  I believe I have developed a reputation as a "singer's choreographer" because I work with the vocal demands of a piece, instead of against them.  That is directly the result of being able to analyze a piece of music before I begin working on it.  While working throughout the country as a choreographer for show choirs and musical theatre productions, I have received many compliments from music directors regarding what they consider to be my above average understanding of basic music theory.  I give full credit for my music theory education to W. Jay Hoel.  Mr. Hoel's methods are straightforward and easy to learn and would serve as a valuable addition to any choral program.

Nancy Bocek
Professional Choreographer