Brian Tanaka
Summary
Versatile church leader, musician, and business professional with over 15 years experience in shaping Christ-centered worship and cultivating authentic and empowering relationships with others. Innovative and creative mind dedicated to future growth and maximizing the positive impact of systems. Commitment to spiritual development, the Church's mission, and sharing the love of God in community. Embody strengths-based and growth mindset to contribute to organizational efforts and skill development. Proven leadership skills including driven, self-starter, and relationship building with clergy, congregants, and other staff members.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Organist & Pianist
Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church
04.2022 - Current
- Collaborate with Missions to execute an Organ Recital raising awareness and funds for Memory Care Academy
- Plan, prepare, and play organ and piano music appropriate to each service of worship
- Effectively lead choir sectional rehearsals as directed by the Director of Music
- Accompany congregational singing of hymns, choirs, soloists, and to collaborate with the Worship Band
- Arrange and produce the Annual Lenten Organ Recital Series via recruiting recitalists and preparing programs
Broker Associate
REAL Star Property Management LLC
10.2017 - Current
- Develop relational leadership expertise and successfully manage four full-time team members
- Build lasting relationships with owner clients and assess needs to deliver exceptional customer service
- Innovate team communication and organizational systems that improve efficiency by 30%
- Utilize technology to organize data to track complex projects and employee success
- Prioritize strict deadlines to close out tenant security deposits in compliance with company policies and state law
Music Associate & Organist
Grace Presbyterian Church
10.2015 - 08.2021
- Served as Praise Team Leader and Organist/Pianist for two weekly Sunday morning services, and choir rehearsals
- Collaborated with Director of Music to create diverse worship experiences aligned with the liturgy
- Prayerfully led music rehearsals, and accompanied seasonal musical cantatas alongside musicians of all abilities
- Served as Concert Organist for "Rutter Christmas," featuring Gloria! by John Rutter, with full orchestra and combined choirs of Grace Presbyterian and First United Methodist Churches of Temple, TX
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Economics And Music, Cum Laude
Knox College
Galesburg, IL06.2015
Skills
- Equity-Centered Leadership & Management
- Relationship and Community Building
- Emotional Intelligence
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Social Justice Advocacy
- Time Management
- Organizational Development
- Creativity and Flexibility
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Conflict Management
Certification
- Certificate of Achievement: Dale Carnegie Effective Communications & Human Relations
- Formational Worship Calling Community: Anti-Racism & Christian Worship (2021), Whitworth University
- Certificate in Worship Leadership (2020), Samford University
- Austin C. Lovelace Scholar (2016), The Hymn Society of the United States & Canada Annual Conference
- Co-Worship Leader (2012), National Gathering of American Baptist Youth
- Praise Team Coordinator & Worship Leader (2010-2012, 2015-2016), GenOn Ministries Youth Summit West
- Licensed Real Estate Broker #710605
Volunteer Experience
Member, Board of Directors - Presbyterian Association of Musicians (October 2023-October 2026)
- Chair, Connecting Committee
- Collaborated as part of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Task Force to establish a Mission Statement
Member, Board of Directors - Temple Symphony Orchestra (July 2017-July 2020)
- Contributed to fundraising and advertising efforts and served in hospitality role at events
Timeline
Organist & Pianist
Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church
04.2022 - Current
Broker Associate
REAL Star Property Management LLC
10.2017 - Current
Music Associate & Organist
Grace Presbyterian Church
10.2015 - 08.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Economics And Music, Cum Laude
Knox College
- Certificate of Achievement: Dale Carnegie Effective Communications & Human Relations
- Formational Worship Calling Community: Anti-Racism & Christian Worship (2021), Whitworth University
- Certificate in Worship Leadership (2020), Samford University
- Austin C. Lovelace Scholar (2016), The Hymn Society of the United States & Canada Annual Conference
- Co-Worship Leader (2012), National Gathering of American Baptist Youth
- Praise Team Coordinator & Worship Leader (2010-2012, 2015-2016), GenOn Ministries Youth Summit West
- Licensed Real Estate Broker #710605
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