John Verkuilen, DMA
John Verkuilen is a distinguished choral conductor, vocal artist, and educator whose career bridges the worlds of professional choral artistry, vocal coaching, and innovative music pedagogy. With over a decade of experience engaging audiences in dynamic and diverse repertoire, John is driven by the profound belief in the transformative power of music as a unifying force, fostering connection and providing a source of healing for individuals and communities alike. With experience as a conductor and a coach, he brings a unique blend of musical precision, inspirational leadership, and a deep commitment to the choral arts.
John is currently Associate Conductor of the Grammy Award-winning National Children’s Chorus and Assistant Conductor of the Grammy Award-nominated Oratorio Society of New York. In these roles, John is dedicated to nurturing the musicianship of young singers and seasoned vocalists alike. John previously served as Visiting Assistant Professor of Music at Muhlenberg College, where he conducted the Chamber and College Choirs and developed young talent through applied teaching in voice and conducting. John has spent four summers on the faculties of the Manhattan School of Music and Boston Conservatory teaching advanced courses in music theory, Western music history, diction, aural skills, world music, and conducting in addition to leading choruses and teaching private voice lessons. Before earning his graduate degrees, John was the Assistant Choral Conductor at Macalester College and completed a Music Liturgy internship at Saint Olaf Catholic Church in Minneapolis.
John’s professional experience includes artistic directorships with ensembles such as the chamber choir, Sine Nomine (Fall River, MA), and the collaborative chorus and orchestra, Calliope (Boston), as well as guest conducting with the Falmouth Chorale (MA) and assistant conducting the Newburyport Choral Society (MA). He was promoted to Bass Faculty at Berkshire Choral International following two apprenticeships with the organization.
As a skilled baritone vocalist, John has performed with ensembles including Handel and Haydn Society, Musica Viva NY, Artefact Ensemble, and the Minnesota Opera, among others. Primarily a choral artist, he is also often featured as a soloist, including a recent performance of the B Minor Mass at the 50th Anniversary Victoria Bach Festival. Other recent appearances include the Mozart and Faure Requiems as well as the role of Jesus and the bass arias in the Bach St. John Passion. As a conductor and vocalist, John has performed in several prominent venues, including Carnegie Hall, Symphony Hall (Boston), the Ordway Center, David Geffen Hall, the Overture Center, Seiji Ozawa Hall, Sanders Theatre, Jordan Hall, and others.
John is a dynamic communicator and advocate for the arts. His engaging program notes and public lectures reflect a dedication to making music accessible and meaningful to diverse audiences. His professional affiliations with ACDA, Chorus America, and the National Collegiate Choral Organization underline his commitment to advancing the field of choral music and fostering community through song.
John holds two advanced degrees in choral conducting: a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Manhattan School of Music, where he studied under Kent Tritle and Dr. Ronnie Oliver, and a Master of Music degree from Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where he studied conducting with Dr. George Case and voice with Robert Honeysucker. John earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies and Music from Macalester College. While enrolled at the Manhattan School of Music, John held two doctoral assistantships. In the Center for Career Readiness and Community Impact, he coordinated a range of outreach and career development initiatives that supported undergraduate and graduate students of all disciplines. As a Music Theory graduate assistant, John supported the department through teaching classes and private tutoring.
Originally from Green Bay, WI, and based in New York City, John is an avid Wisconsin sports fan who enjoys frequent outdoor adventures. He is an enthusiastic traveler and is quick to experiment with a new recipe in the kitchen.
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