Crofton Coleman
Chicago,Il.
Summary
Crofton Coleman is a singer, Songwriter, and educator based in Chicago, Illinois. He has worked as a bandleader, freelance arranger, vocalist / guitarist / keyboardist, producer, and recording artist in Chicago, and collaborated nationally with a community of prestigious artists in contemporary popular genre and jazz, following his foundational academic preparation as a student of Jazz Studies at the University of Illinois School of Music. Crofton has performed as a principal vocal solo artist with such celebrated groups as the Bluewater Kings Band and Chicago Catz whose work, national accolades and awards in entertainment media also include an array of our critically acclaimed artists such as jazz vocalist, Kurt Elling and many others. As a versatile specialist in mass media, Crofton has contributed to the production team and artist media platforms of Lincoln Hall [Performing Arts Theater] in Chicago, in addition to extensive audio tech work and videography collaboration for Midwest television companies and independent mass media affiliations. Crofton has independently written, produced, and sung on seven self-released records and has been featured on numerous nationally released recordings with artists immersed in Jazz, contemporary R&B, and Hip-hop. In academic circles and diverse areas of music-making, Crofton has served as a choral director, arranger, and facilitator of contemporary sacred music ministries, including his most recent musical directorship at First Presbyterian Church of Evanston,Il., in addition to an extensive profile as an instructor of Vocal Techniques, Theory, Vocal Jazz and Contemporary Vocal Styles at the Chicago High School for the Arts, and guest clinician engagement in regional workshops for High School contemporary music programs & community arts programs.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Instructor
Guitar Over Guns
Chicago, IL
09.2024 - Current
- Facilitated group workshops to enhance students' musical proficiency and collaboration skills.
- Implemented innovative teaching methods to foster creativity and critical thinking among students.
- Assessed student progress through regular evaluations, adapting lessons to ensure continuous improvement.
- Cultivated a positive learning environment that encourages student participation and confidence in musical expression.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent classroom management techniques.
- Tracked student progress, frequently checking in with struggling students and identifying root causes of problems.
- Boosted student performance by providing individualized support and targeted feedback.
- Tested and evaluated students on materials presented in workshops and classes.
- Applied various teaching aids to minimize learning gaps and instruct and motivate students.
- Increased student motivation by developing engaging lesson plans that catered to various learning styles.
- Evaluated student assessments to identify areas of growth and improvement, adjusting instructional strategies accordingly.
Contemporary Music Director
First Presbyterian Church of Evanston
Evanston, Il
09.2019 - Current
- Mentored and trained choir members, improving vocal techniques and ensemble performance quality.
- Coordinated special music events, showcasing local talent and enriching church cultural offerings.
- Managed logistics for guest musicians, ensuring seamless integration into worship services.
- Led live music performances and rehearsals, directing musicians to achieve top-notch performances.
- Developed musicians'' skills through focused rehearsals, ensuring high-quality performances.
- Organized seasonal programming schedules that catered to varied audiences preferences while considering performers availability.
- Selected and arranged music for [Number] holiday performances and special events.
- Planned and scheduled rehearsals and performances and arranged details such as locations, accompanists and instrumentalists.
- Developed and maintained relationships with artists, producers and other music professionals.
- Fostered a positive rehearsal environment, promoting open communication and constructive feedback among musicians.
- Handled requests for specific musical selections.
- Directed groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.
Private Voice Instructor / Vocal Coach
Self-employeed
Chicago, IL
07.2019 - Current
- Developed personalized vocal training programs to enhance student performance and confidence.
- Mentored aspiring singers, fostering growth through tailored feedback and constructive criticism.
- Implemented innovative teaching methods to engage diverse learning styles in voice instruction.
- Evaluated student progress regularly, adapting lesson plans for maximum effectiveness and retention.
- Established a supportive learning environment that encouraged creativity, discipline, and artistic expression in students.
- Served as a mentor to aspiring vocalists by sharing professional experiences from my own career as a performer.
- Designed engaging lesson plans that incorporated diverse materials, sparking student interest in the subject matter.
Freelance Artist - Vocalist, Songwriter, Arranger
Self-employeed
Chicago, IL
06.2016 - Current
- Created original music compositions and music performances for audience engagement.
- Developed diverse techniques in all facets of vocal and instrumental compositional areas and mixed media to expand artistic repertoire.
- Utilized social media platforms proactively to promote personal brand awareness while engaging with potential clients or collaborators regularly.
- Delivered live vocal performances across various genres, engaging diverse audiences.
- Collaborated with musicians and producers to develop innovative song arrangements.
- Adapted quickly to different performance environments, ensuring high-quality sound production.
- Led rehearsals, providing constructive feedback to improve group dynamics and sound quality.
- Evaluated audience feedback and adjusted performances for enhanced engagement and satisfaction.
- Developed a diverse repertoire, catering to various audiences and event requirements.
- Showcased exceptional teamwork alongside other musicians contributing towards successful group performances.
- Managed scheduling of gigs, rehearsals, recordings sessions while prioritizing time for personal practice sessions as well.
- Enhanced audience engagement by incorporating dynamic stage presence and vocal techniques.
- Contributed to songwriting processes by composing lyrics and melodies for original music projects.
- Recorded studio-quality tracks for album releases, effectively utilizing recording equipment and software.
Security
Lincoln Hall
06.2022 - 03.2025
Jazz and Contemporary Vocal Instructor
Chicago High School of the Performing Arts
03.2023 - 01.2024
- Designed customized vocal curricula to enhance student engagement and performance skills.
- Developed assessment tools to evaluate student progress and provide constructive feedback.
- Collaborated with faculty to integrate vocal training into interdisciplinary performing arts programs.
- Implemented innovative teaching methods to improve instructional delivery and student outcomes.
- Organized recitals and performances, showcasing student achievements and enhancing community involvement.
- Evaluated student progress regularly through comprehensive assessments that measured growth in pitch accuracy, tone quality, breath control, diction, and overall musicianship.
- Instilled a sense of accountability in students by requiring regular practice logs and goal-setting discussions.
- Established clear goals for each student, tracking progress over time and adjusting teaching methods as needed.
- Fostered a passion for music in students by sharing personal experiences, discussing the history of various vocal styles, and exposing them to inspiring artists within their preferred genres.
- Expanded students'' understanding of music theory through engaging activities that complemented their vocal training.
Instructor
Hyde Park School of Music
Chicago, IL
07.2019 - 10.2021
- Participated in workshops to improve vocal skills, staying current on industry trends and best practices.
- Consistently maintained vocal health through proper technique, warm-up routines, and self-care practices.
- Applied knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm, and voice production to individualize presentations and maintain audience interest.
- Trained and prepared voice, using various melodies and ranges such as soprano, tenor, alto and bass.
- Interpreted different music by making use of voice production, harmony, rhythm and melody to present characterization.
- Generated singing exercises to develop voice.
- Selected music carefully in order to achieve balance of musical styles on program.
- Selected appropriate pieces to meet performance needs and showcase skills.
- Collaborated with artists and producers to refine songs, ensuring alignment with artistic vision.
Contemporary Music Director
Wesley United Methodist Church
Urbana, Il
08.2018 - 06.2019
- Conducted weekly choir rehearsals, fostering musical growth and community engagement.
- Developed and implemented music programs for worship services, enhancing congregational participation.
- Collaborated with pastoral staff to curate thematic music selections aligned with service messages.
Education
Bachelor of Music - Applied Jazz Performance
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL12-2016
Skills
Strong communication skills
Classroom instruction
Instructional design
Educational program development
Timeline
Instructor
Guitar Over Guns
09.2024 - Current
Jazz and Contemporary Vocal Instructor
Chicago High School of the Performing Arts
03.2023 - 01.2024
Security
Lincoln Hall
06.2022 - 03.2025
Contemporary Music Director
First Presbyterian Church of Evanston
09.2019 - Current
Private Voice Instructor / Vocal Coach
Self-employeed
07.2019 - Current
Instructor
Hyde Park School of Music
07.2019 - 10.2021
Contemporary Music Director
Wesley United Methodist Church
08.2018 - 06.2019
Freelance Artist - Vocalist, Songwriter, Arranger
Self-employeed
06.2016 - Current
Bachelor of Music - Applied Jazz Performance
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign