Edgar Moore serves as the North Campus choir director. He holds two master’s degrees from the University of Houston – one in conducting, and one in vocal performance.
QUESTION: What is your personal teaching philosophy?
EDGAR MOORE: I use one approach for students taking a core subject, such as music appreciation, and another approach for music majors. For non-music majors, I engage them by showing that they all have connections to music, and by showing that all music styles of today – rap, hard rock, hip-hop, punk, heavy metal, etc. – have roots in music from years ago. In a recent class, I played a German composition from 1913 and asked students to classify the song. They said it sounded just like rap music. It just shows how modern music styles had predecessors in history. For music majors, my approach is more in-depth. Of course there is more focus on the technical side of music, and my goal is to get them immersed in music because it will be their life work. We also do more in-depth research in our studies of composers.
Q: You have performed roles at several prestigious opera houses. How did that come about?
EM: My first role was in 1968 as a tenor in a supporting role at the Fort Worth Opera House when I attended the University of North Texas. That led to other supporting roles at the Houston Grand Opera where I sang supporting roles in 27 productions through the years, in addition to Santa Fe Opera, HGO, Ft. Worth Opera, and a number of other regional venues.
Q: What guidance and advice would you give to young music students who want to pursue a professional career?
EM: Find an area of music you love, one you can master, and then focus your efforts and get really solid. When it’s time for rehearsal or performance, always be well prepared. Be regular with your practice. Practice at least twice a day, and at least 20 minutes per practice. Find a mentor who can help you along the way, someone who can help you break into the business. I had a very good mentor and dear friend, Nico Castel, who helped me hone my early career, and, among other things, how to write letters to opera companies requesting auditions and such.
– Rob Vanya