Dr. Sean Boulware
Dr. Seán Boulware is an esteemed conductor, adjudicator, clinician, and vocalist with a distinguished presence both in the United States and across Europe. Renowned for his expertise in chorus management, audience development, performance tours, and technology integration, Dr. Boulware is a trusted consultant for choral organizations worldwide. His recent contributions to the field include his pivotal role as part of an elite team of musicians and scientists from Oxford University, co-authoring groundbreaking studies on COVID-safe singing practices and singer's mask design. During the Pandemic Era of 2020-2021, Dr. Boulware revolutionized the concept of virtual choirs, enabling choral music to flourish in a time of unprecedented challenges. Recognized as a foremost authority in virtual choir implementation, he successfully conducted five choirs online during the U.S. lockdown, ensuring the continuity of choral performance.
Currently, Dr. Boulware continues his passion for live conducting, guiding choirs to new heights. His expertise has been sought by legendary conductors such as John Alexander, Seiji Ozawa, Gerald Wirth, Keith Lockhart, and John Rutter, with whom he has prepared choruses. Dr. Boulware has also collaborated with iconic artists including Josh Groban, Michael McDonald, Tommy Sims, and Keith and Kristyn Getty. A highlight of his career was leading the Monterey Peninsula Choral Society during the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, England.
Dr. Boulware is a frequent conductor of choirs and orchestras at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. His international engagements have taken him to Italy, Hungary, England, Scotland, Ireland, Austria, Romania, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Germany, Greece, Brazil, and Japan, where he has led choirs and seminars. In 2025, Dr. Boulware will once again return to Scotland to conduct the California Central Coast Chorale on his 24th performance tour. His choirs' recordings are available on platforms such as iTunes, CDbaby.com, and SoundCloud. Notably, he was honored by *American Idol* as the conductor of the most requested and downloaded Classical Group from 2005 to 2007.
As a vocalist, Dr. Boulware has performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony, Los Angeles Renaissance Consort, among others. His national tours have included roles in *Les Misérables* and *Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat*. His talents extend to local theater, where he enjoys directing and performing.
In 2024, Dr. Boulware was appointed as the Western Region Program Consultant for Encore Tours, where he applies his vast experience to designing transformative tours for choirs and orchestras. He currently conducts the Monterey Peninsula Voices, Aria Women’s Choir, and the California Central Coast Chorale, while also teaching musical theater at Pacific Grove Middle School and High School. Dr. Boulware resides in Salinas, California, with his wife, Michelle. His mentors include Dr. Lynn Bielefelt, Dr. Joseph Flummerfelt, Dr. James Jordan, Rodney Eichenberger, Dr. Steven Grahl, Dr. James Potter, John Alexander, Paul Mayo, and Shirley Nute.
