You know that moment when you're standing in choir, surrounded by people who seem to know exactly what they're doing, and you're just hoping nobody notices you're lost? Yeah, we've been there. That's actually why we started all this.
What started as "please help me not embarrass myself on Sunday" turned into a mission: Create resources for church choirs that actually work for real people with real lives and real struggles. We want to help you:
"There are thousands of church choristers around the world who say that choir, did indeed, save them in many ways. The fellowship of a church choir, singing together for God's glory, isn't a feeling that can be duplicated in any other setting."
Founder Descant Music Co.
I've spent the last 35 years in the church choir loft—first as a nervous keyboardist trying not to mess up the hymns, then as a youth choir leader, then as a church choir leader learning that getting singers to show up on time is harder than any music theory exam.
Here's what I've learned: church music is messy, beautiful, and full of people who just want to contribute something meaningful. I've been on both sides of the music stand—as the singer wondering "Am I even on the right note?" and as the leader thinking "How do I help them get better without demotivating them?"
I founded Canada's first ecumenical South Indian Christian youth choir, the Century Choir, which grew to 100 vocalists (yes, coordinating that many teenagers was exactly as chaotic as it sounds). Then came it's affiliate, the Century Singers; we released original compositions, nurtured emerging talent, and proved that you don't need a conservatory degree to create something beautiful.
These days, I lead the children's piano program and piano camp for the City of Markham, manage the national award-winning Bach Children's Chorus, and sing with the Markham Village Voices Choir (because even choir leaders need to be in the choir sometimes). I also serve on the Forum for Intercultural Leadership and Learning of the Canadian Council of Churches, working to make church music more inclusive and accessible.
Why Descant Music Co.? Because I've lived the struggle. I've been the singer who wanted to contribute more. The leader scrambling for resources that actually work. The musician wishing someone would just explain things in plain English.
I created Descant Music Co. to be the resource I wish existed 20 years ago—practical tools, clear explanations, and no pretension. Just real help for real people who love church music and want to get better at it.
Your voice was meant for more. Let's make it happen.
We Get It Because:
We've stood in your shoes (and your choir robe that's 3 inches too short)
We know you're volunteers with jobs, kids, and groceries to get done
We speak human English not "music professor Enlglish"
We've made every mistake so you don't have to
Our resources work because they're made by people who've
lip-synced through the hard parts, counted on their fingers
during time signatures, and once asked if "forte" was a type of coffee.
7-week group cohorts of online Music Theory classes, offered at beginner, intermediate and advanced (sight-singing) levels. Registration open for individual choristers or church choirs as a group. Weekly Zoom session in a digestible format with fun exercises that help you learn without the pressure of "going back to school". FINALLY, your chance to catch up and sing at your God-given potential!