Dirk Johnson, DMA, is the director of vocal ensembles and interim instructor of music at Colorado Mesa University, where he conducts the CMU Vocal Arts Ensemble, Vocal Chords, Soprano/Alto Choir and Tenor/Bass Choir, and teaches courses in choral music education, choral literature and conducting. He previously served as the artistic director of the Charleston Civic Chorus, director of Choral Activities and Music Department chair at West Virginia State University, visiting professor at the University of Virginia and director of choirs at Timpanogos High School and Pleasant Grove Junior High near Salt Lake City, Utah.
An active composer and arranger, Johnson has received commissions from collegiate, community and church choirs from around the country and regularly writes for ensembles under his own direction. He was honored as winner of the 2015 John Ness Beck Foundation Award for composition of traditional sacred choral music and has music published by Walton Music. As a professional choral singer, he sang for two seasons with the Vocal Arts Ensemble of Cincinnati and for four years with the Tennessee Chamber Chorus. He frequently performed as tenor soloist with the West Virginia Symphony Chorus and in WVSU faculty recitals. Johnson’s current scholarly research focuses on American folksong traditions and their implications for choral arranging.
In addition to music, Johnson enjoys playing and coaching soccer, acting, camping, hiking, DIY projects, tutoring math and spending time with his wife and children.
