Adam Brown

BM Composition
Class of 2011

Adam began his musical training at the age of five when his parents put him in piano lessons in order to keep his overactive mind occupied. He has been studying piano ever since, with teachers in Ohio, Michigan, Nebraska. He currently studies at the Chapman Conservatory with professor Karen Knecht.

In addition to piano, Adam performs as a singer and multi-instrumentalist. His singing career began as a child in church and community theater productions in Ohio and Michigan. During his early middle school years in the Detroit area, he sang as a boy soprano in the Michigan Opera Theater chorus in productions of Tosca, La Boheme, and Carmen and as “Amahl” in the Rackham Symphony Choir’s production of Amahl and the Night Visitors. It was around this time that Adam picked up the trumpet, guitar, and bass, playing in school concert and jazz bands. After moving to Nebraska as a freshman in high school, Adam stopped pursuing serious vocal training, although he sang occasionally as a tenor in school choirs and musical theater productions. He shifted his focus to instrumental music, excelling as a trumpeter in jazz, concert, and marching settings. He also was a part of his own rock and jazz groups, playing keyboards and guitar. It was not until his sophomore year at Chapman that Adam rediscovered his vocal talent, beginning lessons with Dr. Patrick Goeser and singing in the University Choir.

In order to bring together his multiple areas of interest, Adam decided at the end of his freshman year in the BA in Music program at the Chapman Conservatory to pursue composition. After turning in a portfolio of original compositions, he was officially accepted to the composition program. He has subsequently committed himself to finding a distinct and progressive voice as a composer.

Adam has been the recipient of many awards and honors both musically and academically. During high school he won high marks as a pianist in teacher’s association-sponsored festivals, received numerous awards from his high school band department including the “Blue Note Jazz Award” and an achievement scholarship, as well as many academic honors, including status as a National Merit finalist. As a freshman at Chapman, Adam received the Conservatory’s “Golden Ear” award for excellence in Aural Skills.

Adam plans to pursue graduate degrees in music. He is committed to developing and sharing his singular musical voice.