Music
Biography.
Praised for his “virtuoso piano playing” and his ability to leave audiences “spellbound” (ClassicSA), Bradley Burgess is one of today’s few concert artists who can move seamlessly between the piano bench and organ console, and enjoys a multifaceted career as concert pianist, concert organist, and church musician.
He has appeared in recital in many major venues of his home country of South Africa, as well as in the UK, Finland, and across the United States, including performances at Church of the Transfiguration (New York, NY), Third Baptist Church (St. Louis, MO), St. Peter’s Church (Long Island, NY), Rutgers University (Camden, NJ), Woolsey Hall (New Haven, CT), St. George’s Cathedral, Baxter Concert Hall (Cape Town, South Africa), and King’s Chapel (Boston, MA).
Bradley holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in piano performance from the Manhattan School of Music in New York City, the University of Cape Town, and Yale University’s Institute of Sacred Music and School of Music, where he was awarded the Julie B. Sherman Prize for excellence in organ playing. He has also been the recipient of First Prize at the Fine Music Radio / Pick ‘n Pay 101.3 Music Awards, the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Bursary, and a generous grant from the National Arts Council of South Africa.
Having served as Director of Music & Organist at St. Mark's Episcopal Church (Islip, NY), Minister of Music at Middlebury Congregational Church (Middlebury, CT), Organ Scholar at Yale Divinity School's Marquand Chapel, and Associate Director of Music and Worship Arts at Edenton Street United Methodist Church (Raleigh, NC), Bradley currently serves as Organist & Choirmaster at Church of the Nativity in Raleigh, NC. He is also a faculty member of Raleigh School of Music and North Carolina Chamber Music Institute, and maintains a studio of private students.
Video tracks.
- Bach, J.S.: Prelude & Fugue in A Minor
- Brahms, Johannes: “Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele” (Deck, Thyself, My Soul)
- Carter, Andrew: Toccata on “Veni Emmanuel” (O Come, O Come, Emmanual)
- Elgar, Edward: Nimrod, from Enigma Variations
- Elliott, Richard: Toccatina on “Angels We Have Heard On High”
- Guilmant, Alexandre: Organ Sonata No. 1, Finale
- Karg-Elert, Sigfrid: Praise the Lord with Drums & Cymbals
- Liszt, Franz: Fantasy & Fugue on B-A-C-H
- Purvis, Richard: Carol Rhapsody
- Purvis, Richard: Prelude on “Greensleeves” (What Child Is This?)
- Weber, Jacob: Two Soettings on ANTIOCH (Joy to the World)
- Improvisation: “Let Everything That Has Breath”
For more videos, go to my YouTube channel (and subscribe!)
Audio tracks.
- Bach, J.S.: Organ Sonata No. 1 in E-flat, mvt. 1
- Bach, J.S.: Organ Soanta No. 1 in E-flat, mvt. 2
- Bach, J.S.: Organ Soanta No. 1 in E-flat, mvt. 3
- Howells, Herbert: Psalm Prelude, Set 1 No. 3 (Ps. 23)
- Liszt, Franz: Fantasy & Fugue on B-A-C-H
- Messiaen, Olivier: Transports de joie (‘Outburts of joy’) from L'Ascension
- Rachmaninov, Sergei: Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor (1931)
- Rautavaara, Einojuhani: Toccata (1971)
- Vierne: Symphony No. 1, ‘Finale’
- Vierne, Louis: Symphony No. 2, ‘Allegro’
- Vierne, Louis: Clair de Lune
- Willan, Healey: Introduction, Passacaglia and Fugue
Compositions.
I mostly write hymn settings for liturgical (i.e. not concert) use. These are my most recent works, and you can find more by visiting the shop.
If you don't find something you want in the shop, talk to me about commissioning a hymn setting.
I do all my engraving in Liliypond, which is a powerful free and open-source engraving software.
Converse: Introduction
for organ
A short, reflective introduction to the...
Forest Green: Fugato Introduction
for organ
A short-ish fugato introduction of...
Cwm Rhondda: Last Verse
for organ
A rousing reharmonization of the tune...
Royal Oak: Introduction
for organ
A sparkly, trio setting of ROYAL OAK....
Teaching.
I have over a decade of experience teaching the piano, the organ, music theory and musicianship skills, and I would love to share that experience with you.
My teaching philosophy centers the student and their needs. No two students are the same (even twins!), and every student has different aspirations, learning styles, motivations, interests, and personalities. I tailor my teaching style and what we cover to every student, considering their needs and goals.
Central to my approach is the principle of teaching the student, not the subject. Therefore, the teacher-student relationship always comes first — before deadlines, goals, or schedules.
I am presently located in the Raleigh-Durham area in North Carolina, and am on the faculty of Raleigh School of Music. I offer in-person private instruction to students located in the Triangle area, but I also offer onlilne lessons, and currently have a small studio of regular online students. If you are interested in lessons, please don’t hesitate to reach out! Consultation is free; I am always happy to chat.
I am currently offering support in these four main areas, but always tailor instruction to the individual needs; I’m happy to cover a variety of mixed topics.
Beginner to advanced, repertoire and technique. How to practice.
Registration. Hymn-playing. Transitioning to organ from piano.
Harmony. Ear training. Analysis. Basic conducting.
Reharmonization. Last verses. Bridges. Creating your own hymn settings.
Testimonials.
Piano student
Bradley is an exceptional instructor. I have been playing the piano for over 50 years and he has taught me practicing techniques that I have never used before. His knowledge, and ability to share it with the student, is excellent. He is a gifted musician himself and helps inspire me to always improve.
Parent of a piano student
Bradley has been a fantastic piano teacher for our son. He's experienced, knowledgeable, and patient, as you would expect from any good teacher. But he's also remarkably insightful and flexible as he molds his instruction to our son's needs and strengths. Lessons are always really focused and at the same time super upbeat and positive.
Organ student
Bradley is an outstanding organ teacher. What sets him apart is his broad knowledge of repertoire and technique combined with large doses of patience. I learn something new each time we meet! I can't recommend him too highly.