Brian Downen

About

Brian Downen is the Voice Area Coordinator at the University of Texas at El Paso, where he teaches applied voice, diction, and choir. He joined the UTEP faculty in Fall 2014. A versatile tenor, Downen has performed in over 70 operatic productions across the United States, Europe, and Canada. He made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 2016 and has appeared in multiple productions there, with a repertoire spanning Rossini, Mozart, and contemporary composers. Downen has performed as a soloist with major orchestras including the El Paso Symphony, Colorado Symphony, and National Chorale at Avery Fisher Hall. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Eastern Illinois University, completed 30 hours toward a Master of Arts in Composition at Eastern Illinois University, and received both his Master of Music and Artist Diploma in Vocal Performance from Yale University. Downen served seven years as vocal director, performer, and arranger for The Decatur Park Singers, directing 24 singers and arranging over 100 songs. He has arranged competitive show choir arrangements for over 20 years and founded Innovative Music Camps for Singers.

Education & Qualifications

Artist Diploma in Vocal Performance - Yale University; Master of Music in Vocal Performance - Yale University; Master of Arts in Composition (30 hours) - Eastern Illinois University; Bachelor of Science in Music Education - Eastern Illinois University

Teaching Styles