Chopin & Show Tunes

My music education began in the public school system in Huntington, Long Island, New York. Violin in 4th grade, (first chair through the early years). Quickly transferred to piano, excelled in music theory.

High school’s pianist, accompanying choirs and singers, rehearsal through performance, regional and district competitions. A supporting part in middle school musical (“The Boyfriend”), led to a life-long interest in musical theatre. Senior year, cast in “The Music Man,” (Ewart Dunlap, 2nd tenor, barbershop quartet).

Learned to sightread (in the 1980’s) by opening up the hymnal and just reading, simply applying myself.

Moved to San Francisco in 1979, joined the SF Gay Men’s Chorus, sang in the first national tour. Played the piano at SF Metropolitan Community Church.

I moved to Seattle in 1990 and worked at Findlay Street Church.

Moved to Oregon, became very busy with the community theatre schedules, gaining experience in 50+ book musicals, in various capacities: chorus boy, pit pianist, rehearsal accompanist, audition player, orchestra manager, casting consultant and orchestra librarian. Conductor, (“The Wizard of Oz,” 2010).

Since retiring in Palm Springs in 2015, I have accompanied several soloists in clubs, did a season with Desert TheatreWorks and won a Desert Theatre League Award. I have maintained a weekly class for singers since 2016, hosted by Dolly Dupree, La Quinta. I am currently hosting weekly Open Mic events at The Hood in Palm Desert and Saffron Restaurant & Lounge in Palm Springs.

Brian Alec Thom
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