Joseph Fazakas Email & Phone Number

Oakville, Ontario, Canada

I am currently at Epiphany as the music director, organist and choir director. On assuming the role of director, the music was very traditional Anglican music, with a small choir of 8-10 members, with digital organ accompaniment. A Yamaha upright, and then a Roland digital hybrid was added in 2018 and 2019, respectively. This facilitated the addition of more contemporary sounds and stylings: jazz, blues, reggae, world music and contemporary Christian. We have had a variety of musical groups… Show more I am currently at Epiphany as the music director, organist and choir director. On assuming the role of director, the music was very traditional Anglican music, with a small choir of 8-10 members, with digital organ accompaniment. A Yamaha upright, and then a Roland digital hybrid was added in 2018 and 2019, respectively. This facilitated the addition of more contemporary sounds and stylings: jazz, blues, reggae, world music and contemporary Christian. We have had a variety of musical groups and artists play at services. I have introduced some guitar based services, as well as services with brass on Holy Days, often playing my own arrangements. I started a Festival Choir for both the Christmas and Easter Seasons, adding additional members of the congregation to sing in a larger choir at these times. This was very successful, with choruses from Handel, Vivaldi, Bach and Rutter sung. Technology (CDs, MP3s, and video) have been introduced to aid choir members in learning new repertoire. COVID has caused the church to be closed, for the most part, during 2020 and 2021. Services resumed, not fully, in March 2022 and we look to resuming full services for the fall of 2022, with the choir and musicians in new modular forms, with opportunities in both group and solo settings. Technology is playing a much larger role going forward. Show less

Hamilton And Halton Region

I have taught piano since 1995. My background in piano was initially in classical music. My training, both at university and at the Royal Conservatory of Music, was classical as well. This has provided me with a firm foundation to absorb many styles of music, as well as inspire life-long learning and study of all music. As I grew through my teens and into my twenties, I absorbed and played many styles. This has allowed me to pass on these styles and instruct my students. I have many students… Show more I have taught piano since 1995. My background in piano was initially in classical music. My training, both at university and at the Royal Conservatory of Music, was classical as well. This has provided me with a firm foundation to absorb many styles of music, as well as inspire life-long learning and study of all music. As I grew through my teens and into my twenties, I absorbed and played many styles. This has allowed me to pass on these styles and instruct my students. I have many students who undertake examinations in the RCM or with Conservatory Canada, in both the standard repertoire and the CC's Popular/Jazz stream, from Grade 1 to ARCT.My experience on guitar is just as well explored, if in the opposite direction: I started playing pop guitar, moved on to blues and jazz, and eventually studied for 5 years at the RCM, participating in examinations and winning the silver medal. I have been teaching popular guitar styles since 1988, and classical/Suzuki guitar since 1996.I continually strive to build unique programs and lessons for individual students, while building upon the basic foundations of music knowledge and artistry necessary for creativity and musical expression. I have a voluminous library of music encompassing a wide-range of genres and styles for both piano, guitar, organ and ensembles, in addition to arrangements and transcriptions that I compose for students. My experience has allowed me to successfully teach students with autism, Aspergers, Williams Syndrome, non-verbal learning disorders, and ADHD.While most of my students participate on different levels - some take exams, some play for enjoyment, and a few have gone on to study music professionally - all have benefited from the wonderful study of music and the mastering of an instrument.I have spent many wonderful years teaching students of all ages from 3 to 85. I always strive to find the best setting for the students to flourish and learn, in both private and group settings. Show less

Gta

I have performed as a classical pianist in ensembles and as a soloist beginning in 1986. I have accompanied professionally for recitals, competitions, auditioins and for RCM examinations since 1992. I have had the pleasure of performing with the Lorlei Singers, flautist David Gerry, flautist Sara Traficante among many others.Worked as touring accompanist with baritone Riccardo Costanzo 1996-1999 in southern Ontario performing recitals, weddings, and other musical events. Our main… Show more I have performed as a classical pianist in ensembles and as a soloist beginning in 1986. I have accompanied professionally for recitals, competitions, auditioins and for RCM examinations since 1992. I have had the pleasure of performing with the Lorlei Singers, flautist David Gerry, flautist Sara Traficante among many others.Worked as touring accompanist with baritone Riccardo Costanzo 1996-1999 in southern Ontario performing recitals, weddings, and other musical events. Our main repertoire was comprised of Baroque Italian Art Songs, German Lieder (Schubert and Liszt) and some Handel arias.I have performed as a guitarist and keyboardist since 1982 in various bands. I have explored playing many genres of popular music: 60's rock 'n' roll, R&B, Motown, 70's classic rock, 80's new wave, 80's "hair" metal, 90's grunge, 90's industrial and alternative, to jazz standards.I was the pianist in the amateur jazz septet "The Mudd St. Stompers" from 2011-2018, and as one of the guitarists for the jazz ensemble "Sidebar" from 2009-2015. Show less

Transcriptions and arrangements have long been a fascination for me, and led me to explore many areas of music. The bulk of my composition in this area has been for pedagogical purposes: solo piano pieces, duets, guitar ensembles, etc.I have done arrangements for string ensembles, charts for pop band settings, solo and group a capella settings, and descants.My background and experience with recording technology allows me to encourage and assist my students in songwriting skills.… Show more Transcriptions and arrangements have long been a fascination for me, and led me to explore many areas of music. The bulk of my composition in this area has been for pedagogical purposes: solo piano pieces, duets, guitar ensembles, etc.I have done arrangements for string ensembles, charts for pop band settings, solo and group a capella settings, and descants.My background and experience with recording technology allows me to encourage and assist my students in songwriting skills. From 1999 - 2005 I conducted songwriting workshops with teenage students who were creating original pieces and songs. These full day workshops would encourage students to collaborate and perform their songs/compositions with a full band and vocalists at the end of the day.The remainder of my compositions in this area have been to create solo guitar or piano versions of pieces originally composed for other performing forces. My affinity for this time-honoured tradition dating back to Bach has me currently setting one of JS Bach's Violin Concertos for solo piano in a Godowsky-Feinberg manner. I am also currently creating a personal performing edition of Kaikhosru Shapurji Sorabji's Toccata no. 1 and Toccata no. 2. Show less

Ontario

My first position as an adjudicator was in 2004 as a Suzuki Guitar adjudicator in London, Ontario, where there is a strong Suzuki guitar program. I have also had the pleasure of adjudicating for many years at the Dunnville Music Festival, where I have judged pianists, vocalists, guitarists and school choirs from the Niagara-Haldimand region. This is often a highlight of my academic year.

Gta

Worked as substitute organist and pianist at variety of churches on weekly basis in the Niagara, Hamilton, Burlington and Oakville areas with referrals from the RCCO. Most jobs were 1 - 4 week positions. Led music worship in a variety of denominations: United, Presbyterian, Anglican, Baptist, Lutheran. Played organ and piano, as well as accompanied choir and soloists in services.I continue to work performing as organist or pianist at weddings and funerals. Also performed on bass and… Show more Worked as substitute organist and pianist at variety of churches on weekly basis in the Niagara, Hamilton, Burlington and Oakville areas with referrals from the RCCO. Most jobs were 1 - 4 week positions. Led music worship in a variety of denominations: United, Presbyterian, Anglican, Baptist, Lutheran. Played organ and piano, as well as accompanied choir and soloists in services.I continue to work performing as organist or pianist at weddings and funerals. Also performed on bass and guitar at various churches. I played bass at St.Raphael's Catholic Church in Burlington 2006- 2008, and 2011. Also performed as guitarist/pianist with singer/songwriters at various ecclesiastical functions, including Peter Tigchelaar, Melissa Bel, Michelle Titian and Janet Obermeyer.Highlights including being invited by the Gretzky family to lead contemporary hymns and play contemporary piano stylings on favourite hymns of the family at the funeral of Phyllis Gretzky in 2005 in Brantford, Ontario. Show less

Southern Ontario

Many mainstream churches have strived to find a balance in blended worship musical styles. Each church is unique and no-one-size fits all. I was brought in by the Anglican Cathedral in Brantford to assist in planning their new endeavour to build a new hall in which a contemporary service would be run in conjunction with their traditional service. In addition to planning the music and finding musicians, plans were made for the renovation of the hall, sounding and installation of the sound… Show more Many mainstream churches have strived to find a balance in blended worship musical styles. Each church is unique and no-one-size fits all. I was brought in by the Anglican Cathedral in Brantford to assist in planning their new endeavour to build a new hall in which a contemporary service would be run in conjunction with their traditional service. In addition to planning the music and finding musicians, plans were made for the renovation of the hall, sounding and installation of the sound system and multimedia equipment, building of the stage, and awareness in the community.Advice was solicited by musicians at St. Raphael's in Burlington in 2008 regarding the accommodation of unorthodox instruments and inexperienced musicans.In 2013 Delta United in Hamilton was seeking a musical director. I attended services and led both a choir rehearsal and had a meeting with musicians who were attempting to start a contemporary service. While I did not seek the leadership, I did offer my consultation and advice. Show less

Oakville, On

Worked with worship team and clergy leaders selecting music. Led musical worship for weekly and holy day services, weddings, funerals and non-liturgical social events. 2 manual digital organ, with good sound system in sanctuary. 25-30 voice choir, but 50% were "Snowbirds" - a challenge for High Holy days. Large repertoire of hymns and anthems, in SSA, SATB. Successfully helped move the music to a 70 - 30 blend of contemporary and traditional,. Introduced a variety of contemporary… Show more Worked with worship team and clergy leaders selecting music. Led musical worship for weekly and holy day services, weddings, funerals and non-liturgical social events. 2 manual digital organ, with good sound system in sanctuary. 25-30 voice choir, but 50% were "Snowbirds" - a challenge for High Holy days. Large repertoire of hymns and anthems, in SSA, SATB. Successfully helped move the music to a 70 - 30 blend of contemporary and traditional,. Introduced a variety of contemporary styles: blues, jazz, rock, gospel, country, and world music. Established "Guitar Hero's" service once/month - hymns and music done with rock band setting (using electronic drums to balance the sound).Composed arrangements, developed outlines for new performances and worship settings, including series of "Worship Through the Ages" Sundays, Taizé, fundraisers, etc. A monthly Evensong was established with the expertise of J. Marler. Highlights included special honored guests and collaborative performances with other choirs and guest musicians.Collaborative initiatives were welcomed with talented members of the congregations (many - of all ages) and with students in Sheridan College's vocal program, in addition to the excellent soloists in the choir and the excellent bell choir under the direction of S. Smye. Guest musicians and soloists were frequent and warmly welcomed.While this led to a very eclectic repertoire, newer material and styles would only be introduced once the piece or style was natural and musical. New hymns would be introduced as instrumentals, introits or solos, anthems, and then taught to the congregation before the service. This was very effective in expanding the congregational hymn base.Feedback from the congregation was positive to the balance of musical styles. A medley from Sister Act as an anthem could have a prelude from Bach's Orgelbüchlein, and a presto movement from a Beethoven sonata as a postlude.. Show less

Gta

I initially started work at the Yamaha Keyboard Centre as Print Music Manager. I have collected music scores since I was a pre-teen and have amassed a collection numbering in the thousands, thus, my personal experience and passion was an asset to the company. As sales grew, I was offered the welcome additional responsibility of being the liason to music teachers in the community. I was in charge of putting on demonstrations and workshops from various music publishers, teacher gatherings to… Show more I initially started work at the Yamaha Keyboard Centre as Print Music Manager. I have collected music scores since I was a pre-teen and have amassed a collection numbering in the thousands, thus, my personal experience and passion was an asset to the company. As sales grew, I was offered the welcome additional responsibility of being the liason to music teachers in the community. I was in charge of putting on demonstrations and workshops from various music publishers, teacher gatherings to discuss pertinent topics in the teaching community, and newsletters. In 2006 my growing knowledge about the piano industry and the manufacture of pianos allowed me to add sales to my dossier. My knowledge and experience as a guitarist was helpful when the stores added guitars to their sales inventory. In addition to Yamaha guitars, we also sold Guild, Cort and Breedlove guitars. Show less

Burlington, On

Led music worship team in cooperation with clergy (Bob and Lorraine Tadman), and planned wedding and funeral music. Strong blended worship. The contemporary was very much rooted in both the Cursillo movement and evangelical contemporary Christian music songwriting styles from the late 1960's through the mid 1980's. The church had a 2 manual Baldwin digital organ (circa 1980).The 12-15 voices choir, which was weighted towards the traditional, performed weekly anthems, introits and… Show more Led music worship team in cooperation with clergy (Bob and Lorraine Tadman), and planned wedding and funeral music. Strong blended worship. The contemporary was very much rooted in both the Cursillo movement and evangelical contemporary Christian music songwriting styles from the late 1960's through the mid 1980's. The church had a 2 manual Baldwin digital organ (circa 1980).The 12-15 voices choir, which was weighted towards the traditional, performed weekly anthems, introits and descants. Choir's repertoire of 60-80 traditional hymns could be sung in 4 part chorale setting. Choir was highlighted with two traditional services on Christmas Eve, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Small motets and settings from Baroque and Classical eras were introduced, and late 19th and early 20th century Anglican fare. Contemporary amateur music group was established, but with a couple of highly qualified musicians from diverse backgrounds. While members were enthusiastic, the challenge was teaching them to listen to each other; know when to accompany and when to lead; and give them a basic understanding of music theory. Instruments were guitars, drums, bass, trumpet, saxophone, violin and flute. Repertoire of 50-60 pieces.Arranging and transcribing for voices and instruments were part of my weekly duties. Larger pieces performed were Godspell and Sister Act medley. Introduced music team to blues, gospel, early rock'n'roll styles and world music styles (African).Musical ensemble of teenagers (vocals, guitars, piano) was established. I would arrange pieces, which they would perform as an anthem once a month. Teenage string students from Hamilton and Halton Suzuki Associations were invited to perform for High Holy days.Both adult groups and teenage groups performed in services and in the Halton community. Show less

Hamilton, On

Invited by official music director (Stephane Potvin) to be long-term substitute music director as he took sabbatical. Worked as music director choosing hymns and as organist for weekly services in Lutheran setting. 2 manual Casavant organ. Assembled small 6-8 voice choir for Christmas services and Easter Week services. Volunteer soloists were also accompanied throughout the year for introits, postludes, and anthems. Started contemporary service (preceding traditional service) with two… Show more Invited by official music director (Stephane Potvin) to be long-term substitute music director as he took sabbatical. Worked as music director choosing hymns and as organist for weekly services in Lutheran setting. 2 manual Casavant organ. Assembled small 6-8 voice choir for Christmas services and Easter Week services. Volunteer soloists were also accompanied throughout the year for introits, postludes, and anthems. Started contemporary service (preceding traditional service) with two guitarists/vocalists from the congregation, with myself playing piano and guitar. Contemporary and traditional hymns were given a Crosby,Stills,Nash and Young-esque treatment, while also incorporating secular tunes with a gospel message (e.g., Van Morrison, U2, etc.). Contemporary group rehearsed once every two weeks, where vocal harmonies and guitar layers would be worked out. Group had expanded to 5 members when my term had ended. Show less

Hamilton, On

Worked as assistant engineer under tutelage of Bob Doidge and John Olivera. Learned not just the basics of recording technology (at that time), but also the undertakings of musical production in the studio. Also did my first charts and paid-for transcription work during this time. Fantastic experience of working with and observing the artistic creativity (and hard work) of such artists as Cowboy Junkies, Daniel and Bob Lanois, Tom Wilson, Dave King, Ian Thomas, etc.

Guitar Performance And Pedagogy

Studied classical guitar under Michael Connor. Performed in masterclasses with Robert Hamilton, Jeffrey McFadden and William Beauvais..

Organ And Church Music

Studied with William Renwick.

Bachelor'S Degree, Mathematics. Completed 2 Years Towards Bachelors In Mathematics.

Bachelor'S Degree, Music - Theory And Composition, B. Mus. Honors

Studied piano performance with Valerie Tryon. Music theory under Paul Rappaport. Studied theory and composition with Clark Ross. Sight.

Bachelor'S Degree, Piano Performance And Theory

Studied piano under Garth Beckett. While building up standard repertoire, focused on exploring 20th century repertoire. Studied electronic.

Education record

Education record

The atmosphere and ethos that the Bedford's fostered remains with me to this day. Music was taught as passionate, intelligent, cerebral.