Master Tim Sharp
Tim Sharp: Choral Conductor, Author and Former ACDA Executive Director
Tim Sharp is an American choral conductor, author, researcher, educator and arts administrator whose work has influenced professional choral leadership, conducting pedagogy, ensemble innovation and sacred choral repertoire.
His career includes university teaching, artistic direction, publishing, international choral leadership and thirteen years as Executive Director of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA).
Who is Tim Sharp?
Sharp has built a varied career as a conductor, university professor, researcher, writer, publisher and arts administrator. Before leading ACDA, he served as Dean of Fine Arts at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, and earlier as Director of Choral Activities at Belmont University in Nashville.
His research and writing focus particularly on conducting, score analysis, sacred choral repertoire, ensemble leadership, creativity, innovation and the role of choral music in contemporary culture.
Older biographies describe Sharp as the current Executive Director of ACDA and an IFCM Vice-President. Those descriptions are now historical: he led ACDA from 2009 to 2020 and left the IFCM Board after the 2023 elections.
Thirteen years leading the American Choral Directors Association
Tim Sharp served as Executive Director of ACDA from 2009 to 2020, leading one of the world's major professional organizations for choral conductors, educators, scholars, students and the choral music industry.
Professional development
His work connected conducting, scholarship, education and professional leadership across the American choral field.
Innovation and relevance
Sharp's writing and leadership repeatedly explore how ensemble organizations can remain creative, collaborative and relevant.
International connection
His ACDA leadership also intersected with international choral networks, including earlier service with IFCM.
Tim Sharp and the International Federation for Choral Music
Sharp served in leadership roles with the International Federation for Choral Music, including as a Vice-President and Board Member. IFCM records list him among the board members whose mandates ended following the 2023 elections.
This work placed him within an international network connecting choral organizations, conductors, composers and educators across countries and continents.
A career across university, community, church and children's choirs
Sharp has conducted a wide range of ensembles and has worked as a clinician and guest conductor in the United States and internationally.
Higher education
His university career included leadership at Belmont University and Rhodes College, combining conducting with academic and arts administration responsibilities.
Tulsa Chorale
Biographies and concert materials document his long association as Artistic Director and Conductor of the Tulsa Chorale, where his work included major choral repertoire and concept-driven programming.
Tim Sharp's publications on conducting, ensemble arts and choral repertoire
Sharp's books make his profile especially relevant to choir directors because they connect artistic practice with leadership, collaboration, creativity and repertoire study.
Mentoring in the Ensemble Arts
Leadership and helping others develop their artistic voice.
Collaboration in the Ensemble Arts
Working effectively with others in ensemble-centered artistic environments.
Innovation in the Ensemble Arts
Creativity, sustainability and innovation in ensemble organizations.
Relevance in the Choral Art
Essays exploring connection, culture and the continued relevance of choral music.
Sacred Choral Music Repertoire
A major reference work offering historical context, conducting insights and practical analysis across six centuries of sacred choral repertoire.
Conducting and score analysis
His broader bibliography also includes publications on conducting technique, balance, score study and the history of choral organizations and regional music.
Tim Sharp as Guest Conductor at Choral Fest Costa Rica for Peace
Choral Fest Costa Rica's own historical materials identify Tim Sharp as a Guest Conductor in the 2018 edition, alongside Cuban conductor Digna Guerra.
That participation places Sharp directly within the artistic history of the festival and connects Choral Fest Costa Rica with his broader work in conducting, professional choral leadership and international exchange.
Academic formation and continuing study
Sharp's published biographies record degrees in music and conducting from Bluefield College, Belmont University and The School of Church Music at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His further study included the Aspen Music School, Harvard University and Cambridge University.
He is a Life Fellow of Clare Hall, University of Cambridge, an academic distinction frequently noted in his professional biographies.
Tim Sharp FAQ
Who is Tim Sharp?
Tim Sharp is an American choral conductor, author, researcher, educator and arts administrator whose career includes university teaching, artistic leadership, publishing and international choral work.
Was Tim Sharp Executive Director of ACDA?
Yes. Tim Sharp served as Executive Director of the American Choral Directors Association from 2009 to 2020.
What was Tim Sharp's role with the International Federation for Choral Music?
Sharp served in IFCM leadership, including as a Vice-President and Board Member. IFCM records show that he left the Board after the 2023 elections.
Did Tim Sharp participate in Choral Fest Costa Rica for Peace?
Yes. Choral Fest Costa Rica's historical materials identify Tim Sharp as a Guest Conductor in the 2018 edition.
What books has Tim Sharp written?
His publications include books on ensemble leadership, creativity, relevance, conducting and sacred choral repertoire, including Sacred Choral Music Repertoire: Insights for Conductors.
What is Sacred Choral Music Repertoire?
It is a major reference work by Tim Sharp published by GIA Publications, covering six centuries of sacred choral repertoire with historical context, conducting insights and practical analysis.
Where did Tim Sharp teach before ACDA?
Before leading ACDA, he served as Dean of Fine Arts at Rhodes College and earlier as Director of Choral Activities at Belmont University.
Is Tim Sharp also a composer and arranger?
Yes. His career includes choral compositions and arrangements in addition to conducting, research, writing and arts leadership.
What is Tim Sharp's educational background?
His biography records degrees in music and conducting from Bluefield College, Belmont University and The School of Church Music at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, as well as further study and a Life Fellowship at Clare Hall, Cambridge University.
Why is Tim Sharp important to Choral Fest Costa Rica?
His participation as a Guest Conductor in 2018 connects Choral Fest Costa Rica with a major figure in American and international choral leadership, scholarship and professional development.
Discover the artistic history of Choral Fest Costa Rica for Peace
Explore the conductors, composers, programs and participant voices that have shaped the festival across its different editions.
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