M.Mus – Choral Conducting (UofT)
Post Graduate Certificate – Education (Cambridge)
B.Mus -Education (Cambridge)
Ezra holds a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting under Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt, from the University of Toronto, where he was a recipient of the Elmer Iseler National Fellowship.
A Canadian who grew up in London, England, Ezra completed his Bachelor Degree as well as his Postgraduate Certificate in Music and Education at the University of Cambridge and subsequently taught music in several schools, and established two community choirs.
In Toronto, Ezra has been Assistant Conductor of the University of Toronto Men’s Chorus and Assistant Director of the Dukes of Harmony Barbershop Chorus. Ezra is the Associate Conductor of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and currently sings with the Exultate Chamber Singers under Dr. Mark Ramsay.
Get to know Ezra…Beyond the Bio!
Hobbies: going to the theatre, films, podcasts and walks. Finding the best coffee shop.
Music Influences: Anything from the Beatles to Beethoven, MOtown to Mozart, Radiohead to Rachmaninov.
Favourite food: Roast potatoes. But good ones.
Least favourite food: Licorise!
Favourite music: I love it all. Generally the last thing I played or heard!
Favourite movie: Fargo
Favourite movie music: The Soundtrack to There will be Blood
Favourite musical theatre/opera: West Side Story
Best quote from your teacher: Teacher? I prefer the term Educational Rockstar.
Favourite quote: ‘I don’t want to be in a club that wants me as a member’ – Groucho Marx
Favourite book: Harry Potter. All of them.
This Week’s Coaching and Practice Recommendations
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Choir Homework
Hi Everyone!
We have two weeks and two sessions together before our first Showcase!
Please have a look on youtube to find a choir performance that you really like and be prepared to talk about it on Saturday. How can we present our pieces in the best way possible? Do we want to use instruments? How do we want to stand? Do we want any choreography?
Looking forward to hearing your ideas!
Ezra
Recital Registration Open!
Hello Everybody!
Recital registration is now open.
Please note the recital is Sunday, December 2nd. Schedules you received at the beginning of the year may have indicated December third, which is incorrect.
General Information
Register now at the desk or by phone. Teacher attendance at the recital will become available in the coming days. Please note teachers are not required to attend, so they may not be there.
As usual, the recital will be at:
Root Down Studio
225 Geary Ave.
(Near Dupont & Dufferin)
Times will be:
12:00pm
1:00pm
2:00pm
Music Together & Rhythm Kids Families Welcome
As usual we welcome our families to come see live music – it is never too soon! Our sessions are short and sweet, at roughly 45 minutes, and we love sharing the music with you! Just pick a time and come. If you are too worried about the activity or lack of patience your kids might have, we welcome you to watch the live stream at home.
Rock Band Information
Rock Bands will play at:
RB 1 (5:30 rehearsals) • 12:00, 1:00 Note: Call time is 11:15 for soundcheck. Do not be late.
RB 2 (6:30 Rehearsals) • 1:00, 2:00
RB 1 students are expected to stay and watch RB 2.
Choir Information
The new ABC Choir will perform at 12:00, early in the program. There will be a warmup/soundcheck. Note: Call time is 11:40 for soundcheck. Do not be late.
Live Stream
As usual we expect to have a live stream for your loved ones to watch far away. Stay tuned for information on that in a future post.
e: Ezra Burke
Hi Choir!
Hope you are all merrily singing!
This week I’d like us to listen to different performances of Children’s choirs. This group is from close by in Hamilton. Have a look at the performance. What do you like about how they sing, how they communicate to their audience and how they move? We’ll chat about it on Saturday;
Here’s a link to the youtube clip.
See you soon. Keep warm!
Ezra
