Sharon Downey

About

Sharon Downey is an accomplished choral conductor, organist, and vocal music educator with deep roots in the Erie, Pennsylvania music community. She is a graduate of the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in Bloomington, Indiana, holding degrees in Organ Performance and Church Music with specialized training in Choral Conducting and Orff Schulwerk methodology. Sharon served as Music Director at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul in Erie, Pennsylvania, for over three decades (1991-2022), during which she directed the Cathedral Choir of Men and Women in performances at major international venues including Canterbury Cathedral (England), Christ Church Cathedral Oxford (England), Chichester Cathedral (England), The American Cathedral in Paris (France), and Coventry Cathedral (England). She currently serves as Canon Musician at the Cathedral of St. Paul and as Director of the Erie Philharmonic Youth Chorale, emphasizing professionalism and excellence in all rehearsals and performances. Under her direction, the Youth Chorale has performed major works including Mahler's Symphony No. 3, Verdi's Requiem, and various holiday concerts in collaboration with the Erie Philharmonic Orchestra. Her teaching approach emphasizes musicianship, vocal technique, and the sacred artistic tradition of choral music. She is skilled at developing young singers and preparing them for advanced performance opportunities.

Education & Qualifications

Indiana University Jacobs School of Music: degrees in Organ Performance and Church Music; Advanced training in Choral Conducting and Orff Schulwerk

Teaching Styles