Brent Birckhead
Woodwind Artist
Saxophonist Brent Birckhead is an award-winning artist, whose aesthetic is an intersectional amalgam of traditional and popular styles. Unbound by genre, Birckhead’s approach to woodwind artistry is driven by his compulsion for creative risk and deep respect for legacy. His place in the continuum of a storied lineage begins with his surname, Birckhead, and extends to his extensive musical education and work ethic as a visionary approach to life as a rising leader.
Educated at Howard University (BME, MM), Birckhead was named best blues/pop/rock soloist and outstanding instrumental jazz soloist by Downbeat Magazine as part of the annual Student Music Awards. In 2011 Brent was named "Best Alto Saxophonist" by the Washington City Paper. The New York Times calls Birckhead “One of the most riveting young improvisers in New York.”
The Baltimore native's talent earned him the honor of performing and touring with legendary artists including Lauryn Hill, Nas, Wale, Eric Benet, Larry Graham, George Duke and many more.
“A sure fingered sax man that has a clear vision of what he wants to express, this singularity of his message and vision will grab you as much as the playing.” - Midwest Record Reviews
Brent Birckhead is a part of the MSAC Touring Artist Roster for Maryland, click the link below to apply for support to present him in Maryland.
Educational Outreach
In addition to his amazing live performances he also offer a variety of educational workshops in the form of interactive live performances and workshops.
As a teaching artist, Birckhead has led educational masterclasses across the Mid-Atlantic area through partnerships with The Washington Performing Arts Society, Howard University, Morgan State University, Baltimore School of the Arts, and Duke Ellington School of the Arts.
Education
Workshops
Birckhead conducts workshops for aspiring student musicians that show an interest in music business, social media, and collaboration.
CAREER IN MUSIC
AGE: 8-24 Yrs Old
Participants in the workshop 'Making Music A Career' will unravel the secrets of mastery, dedicating 10,000 hours to refine their skills. They will explore the keys to success, ranging from musician prerequisites to essential leadership qualities. The program encourages a deep dive into subcategories such as performance, education, composition, production, and recording. Attendees can customize their journey, whether in clubs, studios, classrooms, or online platforms. The workshop emphasizes embracing diverse opportunities to consistently monetize their passion. With guidance provided on finding mentors, private lessons, and specialized schools, participants can chart their unique course to musical excellence. The aim is to elevate their craft, create a standout product, and embark on a fulfilling musical career."
SOCIAL MEDIA
AGE: 10-24 Yrs Old
Discover the power of 'Social Media for Musicians' in this transformative workshop. Elevate your music career by mastering the art of advertising, brand creation, and storytelling. Learn to build a devoted fan base while showcasing your talent and products effectively. With a focus on quality video, sound, story, and images, participants will gain insights into presenting their best selves online. Explore the importance of consistency in posting, content reuse, and effective linking to music shows and resources. Work on public speaking, short-form presentations, and storytelling, using simple video editing and live streaming to forge meaningful connections with your audience. Unleash the potential of your music through strategic social media practices.
COLLABORATION
AGE: 5-24 Yrs Old
Unlock the art of collaboration and group dynamics with my workshop on 'Collaboration/Working in a Group.' Learn to achieve feats beyond individual capabilities, working with diverse skill sets to explore uncharted creative directions. Discover the wisdom: 'If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go as a group.' Accelerate progress by collaborating with those more advanced and leveraging organizational infrastructure. Explore the advantages of group performance, from spontaneous ideas to a rich tapestry of sounds. Learn the delicate balance in group playing, where openness and trust foster creativity.