Teaching & Academia

Shaping the next generation of musicians - and exploring the lifelong power of choral singing.

Teaching & Academia

Chuck Taft has served as Adjunct Music Faculty at the University of North Carolina Asheville since 2016, where he directs the University Chorale and teaches music. His academic work goes beyond the classroom - Chuck's research focuses on the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical benefits of choral participation for older adults, a field he explored deeply in his Master of Music thesis at Lee University.

His work at Givens Estates extends this research into practice, bringing meaningful musical experiences to older adults in a community setting.

Areas of Focus

  • University Teaching



    Adjunct Music Faculty at UNC Asheville since 2016, teaching music and directing the University Chorale as a cornerstone of campus musical life.

  • Choral Research



    Researching the aging choral voice and the future of senior church choirs - exploring how choral singing enriches the lives of older adults socially, emotionally, and cognitively.

  • Community Music Education



    Bringing music education and choral direction to Givens Estates, applying research-backed approaches to enrich the lives of older adults through singing.

Academic Credentials

  • Master of Music - Music and Worship, specializing in Conducting - Lee University, Cleveland, TN (2018). Thesis: The Aging Choral Voice and the Future of Senior Church Choirs.

  • Choral Conducting and Voice - Mars Hill University

  • Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance - Western Carolina University