Brian Massey

I was born and raised in Portland, Michigan. I was involved in band where I played trombone, sang in choirs, played piano, was in musicals and other plays, was in a Christian rock band, and played at church. I knew from an early age that I wanted to pursue a degree and a career in music as it was “instrumental” in my upbringing and in my life.

After graduating high school, I went to Western Michigan University (GO BRONCOS!) in Kalamazoo, MI, where I received a bachelor’s degree in both vocal and instrumental music education. There, I was involved in many instrumental and vocal music ensembles and continued being involved in a Christian rock band and on the worship team at a large church in Kalamazoo.

After receiving my bachelor’s degree, I was a middle school/high school band director at a few schools in Michigan. There, I grew programs that eventually received Division 1 ratings at both the District and State Band and Orchestra Festivals, was featured on PBS Forte, and transformed a marching band from noncompetitive to a state qualifier.

During that time teaching, I also received my master’s degree from Michigan State University (GO GREEN!) in music education.

However, as worship music was still a major part of my life, I went into full-time ministry as a worship leader for four years prior to coming to Sweetwater in 2022.

My master’s thesis was all about collaboration, so I take Vanilla Ice’s words to heart when he says, “Stop. Collaborate and listen.” I am here to stop what I’m doing, collaborate WITH you, and listen TO you. I am here FOR you and want to do whatever I can to help you grow, thrive, and achieve your musical vision, aspirations, and dreams and make them a reality.