Defined by a conducting style of nuanced gesture and artistic depth, Brandon Johnson shapes sound with precision and profound emotion. His work is widely recognized for its evocative nature, seamlessly bridging the gap between academia and the professional stage. As a Full Professor and Director of Choral Activities at Eastern Michigan University and the founder of the collective Beyond Choir, Dr. Johnson has established himself as a versatile voice in the choral world, celebrated by audiences and musicians alike for his sensitive musicianship.

​

Dr. Johnson’s artistry is grounded in a deep educational lineage. In addition to his leadership at EMU, he has served on the faculty at the University of Michigan as Visiting Assistant Director of Choral Activities and is a guest lecturer at premier choral programs, including the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). His skills were honed at the Eastman School of Music and the University of Arizona, where he earned his Doctorate of Musical Arts, as well as under the baton of Helmuth Rilling at the prestigious Oregon Bach Festival.

​

It is this skill and musicianship that have made Dr. Johnson a recurring artistic partner to some of the world’s most visible performers. Since 2017, the legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli has entrusted Dr. Johnson with preparing vocal forces at his arena tours in Detroit. Dr. Johnson’s versatility is showcased with professional orchestral forces, including the Buffalo Philharmonic and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Whether navigating the intricate textures of Rachmaninoff’s The Bells or the cinematic modern works of the Harry Potter and Final Fantasy symphonic series, his work is consistently recognized for its precision and expressivity.

​

Dr. Johnson’s reputation for excellence extends to the world’s most hallowed stages. He has led performances at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and his international itinerary includes conducting at the St. Thomaskirche in Leipzig—the musical home of J.S. Bach—the Frauenkirche in Dresden, and the basilicas of Rome and Venice. His performances have been praised by listeners for their "connections and artistic imagination," creating musical moments that are as touching as they are technically precise. 

Perhaps most significant is Dr. Johnson’s dedication to the development of emerging conductors. His pedagogical focus centers on empowering undergraduate and graduate students to find their own artistic voices, cultivating a studio environment where technical precision meets expressive intent. By integrating traditional mentorship with cutting-edge tools—most notably his pioneering Virtual Reality Conducting Lab—he bridges the gap between the classroom and the podium. Whether refining the gesture of a graduate student or unlocking the potential of a festival ensemble in Alaska, Dr. Johnson challenges musicians to move beyond mechanics and "delight in the details." He resides in Saline, Michigan, where he continues to shape the future of the choral art form.