David Schelat
Conductor. Composer. Organist. Consultant.
An adept and versatile musician, I’ve had a rich lifetime of working with people to create musical excellence as well as musical fun. I’ve created ensembles and church music experiences that change people. I’ve led workshops on a variety of topics for AGO chapters and churches, and taught organists of all ages and ability levels. I’m delighted that five companies publish my choral and organ music. I hope you enjoy exploring my website and getting to know me through the music I’ve created!
Published by
Oxford, MorningStar, Augsburg Fortress, Selah and E.C. Schirmer
Broadcast
Heard on NPR’s Pipedreams
Recitalist
Five regional AGO conventions
Trained at
Eastman School of Music and The Ohio State University
Featured works
In season
Listen
Experience Excellence
I'm very interested in the needs of churches, so if you're looking for something in particular let's talk about it.
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No matter what an ensemble’s skill level, choirs intuitively want to sing well-crafted music. This is the music that I compose. From easy works for unison choir to more complicated SATB pieces suited to experienced ensembles, I strive to write memorable melodies with natural-sounding harmony and idiomatic accompaniment. Because I know how the voice functions and understand how to write for the organ, I compose music that works. Your choirs and you will love this. Contact me about writing a special piece for you and your singers!
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For the blossoming of choirs of every size and musical level, an outside perspective is sometimes needed. My many years of experience leading large and small choirs of every skill level have given me wide-ranging knowledge of the musical tools that choirs and conductors need to succeed. I tackle each choral challenge – vowels, tuning, rhythm, style – with useful solutions that will improve an ensemble’s awareness, as well as their singing, or a conductor’s ability to work successfully with the choir. And I always seek to impart this expertise with a sense of humor and with respect for the ensemble’s needs and abilities.
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As a solo recitalist, I’ve enjoyed performing throughout the United States on instruments big and small. I play the organ classics that we love, as well as new music for the instrument, including my own compositions. How fun it has been to be featured at five regional conventions of the American Guild of Organists and at a number of important venues nationwide! I also get a kick out of speaking to audiences, whether introducing works as I play them or in pre-concert or post-concert talks where I can get to know audience members. I’d love to share my joy, as well as the excitement of live music, with an audience at your church.
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Whether you need to adapt an existing, ailing organ or you are seeking a new instrument, this is an important decision that requires experienced and unbiased eyes and ears. I’d enjoy working with your organization to find the best solution available for your situation as you undertake this significant, challenging, and fun work. From organ rebuilding or re-voicing projects to installing a new instrument, I’ll help you to hear the sound of organs with clearer ears and to better understand the technical considerations that will allow you to make an informed, successful decision about your instrument that will last for years.
Kind words
“The Organ Sonata by David Schelat is a gem! It truly deserves to be included in the repertoire of all organists.”
Michael Britt, Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church, BaltimoreAbout DavidDavid Schelat’s multi-faceted music career has produced a versatile musician prepared for many situations. Trained as an organist and conductor, he is also a workshop leader, consultant, and an often-commissioned composer whose music is published by five American and British publishing companies.
Contact me
I'd love to talk more with you!
Unison anthem with organ accompaniment