Brian Dean Sousa
- Lecturer
- Choral director
Areas of Expertise
- Choral conducting, sacred music, music education, vocal and ensemble training, arts administration, nonprofit leadership, community-based music making
Education
- B.M. in sacred music, Westminster Choir College (2006)
- M.M. in choral conducting, James Madison University (2010)
What's My Why?
I believe choral music is about far more than preparing for a concert. It teaches us how to listen, collaborate, take risks and become part of something larger than ourselves. I love helping students discover their own voices while building a strong sense of community through music. At Salve, I’m especially drawn to the opportunity to work closely with students in a university where the arts, the liberal arts and the development of the whole person are deeply valued.
Professional Experience
In addition to my role at Salve, I serve as artistic director of the Greater New Bedford Choral Society and director of music and organist at St. Mary Star of the Sea in Beverly, Massachusetts. I have spent more than two decades working as a conductor, organist, educator and arts leader, including extensive experience teaching singers and directing choral ensembles in university, church and community settings. My work has also included nonprofit arts administration, program development and audience engagement. I am especially passionate about building strong musical communities, helping singers grow in confidence and musicianship, and creating performances that connect people through both familiar repertoire and new musical experiences.
Media Coverage
NBC29 (WVIR-TV), CW29, ABC Harrisonburg, Dartmouth Week and Mars Hill Audio. Television appearances have included conducting the Children’s Choir of Central Virginia for the Charlottesville Grand Illumination and Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations, as well as conducting the James Madison University Women’s Chorus on an ABC morning program.