Brian Tate Music

CHOIR WORKSHOPS 

Brian is renowned for his exhilarating choir workshops. Lift up your voice! Custom-design a workshop for your school, community, or church choir. Workshops are for all styles of choirs and soloists. Choirs will fine-tune and polish their current repertoire, and learn new, easy, fun songs. A passionate advocate of learning and making music at all levels, Brian believes that music has a fundamental role in learning, communication, understanding, community, health, and wholeness. 

CHOIR DIRECTORS ARE SAYING...

"Brian has worked with and composed works for two groups I conduct, the Vancouver College Chamber Choir, and the British Columbia Boys Choir. His work with both groups had been exemplary. Brian is deeply passionate about the music he presents in a way that is infectious to young singers and adults alike. His thoroughly professional approach brings the best out of these performers; he appeals to the mature musician in all of his singers. He is able to clearly articulate his excellent ideas in rehearsal and effectively reveal them through his conducting. Not only is he clear about what he wants, he knows how to achieve it, through a mixture of a disciplined approach and sheer inspiration." Gerald Van Wyck, Head of Choral Activities, Vancouver Community College, former Music Director, British Columbia Boys Choir.

"The Island is humming with the news of your workshop, which has percolated out into the community. You enabled all our singers to make enormous leaps and they feel so stimulated and inspired. Thank you so much for sharing your enormous talent and your sensitive approach to singers. You are rare indeed and we have all been touched by you." Clare Mathias, former Music Director, Pender Island Choir.

"It is uncommon to discover a superb musician and a gifted educator in the same person. Brian Tate is such an individual. His workshop for our singers was inspiring, motivating and great fun. Most important, the learning was phenomenal, dramatically impacting the rehearsals and performances that followed. Our singers are looking forward to their next opportunity to work with Brian." Judy Herrington, Music Director, Tacoma Youth Chorus.

CHORAL SINGERS ARE SAYING...

"Brian is a fabulous choir instructor. He challenges us with new music and progresses as quickly as we can aptly do so. Challenges me to pay close attention and to be an active participant. Great pieces, too."

"Thank you so much for working with us. I enjoyed your creativity. You are obviously passionate about music. Thank you for helping us with expression and dynamics. The rhythm activities you shared were very valuable, and catchy—I still have some running through my head!" 

"Brian's passion for music is infectious."

"I loved that we were able to bring our bodies into the songs. It reminded me that I am not a talking head. I loved that we did not focus only on North American music. We got a taste of culture."

"Brian always provided encouragement and appreciation for our work. It has been wonderful to sing again in a choir that wants to work, with an instructor who knows the serious side must get done but throws in fun things too!"

"He has a very strong interest and passion for what he does. He is professional and expects the same of his students. The work is challenging, yet not frustratingly hard."

"By his consistent attention to detail in every piece we do, he has challenged us to extend our range and ability."

The Singer's Masterclass: Finding Your Authentic Voice

A masterclass on technique, style, and interpretation for soloists. Participants may perform a song of their choice in any style: classical, pop, folk, jazz, etc., whether accompanied or a cappella. Although there will be some attention to technique, the focus is primarily on singers finding their "authentic voice", and making the song uniquely their own. All levels may participate, and beginners are encouraged to participate with more experienced singers, as everyone works independently with Brian at their current level. This class may be done with the whole choir in attendance or only the soloists involved, at the discretion of the teacher and the wishes of the participants. This workshop is conducted in a safe and supportive environment!