Isaac Brooks is a conductor, soloist, and music educator from the small mountain town of Barbourville, Kentucky—a place whose deep musical heritage continues to shape his work and passion. He currently serves as Lecturer in Choral Music at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, where he teaches, mentors, and conducts with a commitment to forming thoughtful, expressive young musicians. Isaac also serves as Artistic Director and Conductor of the Madison Singers in Richmond, Kentucky, and as Assistant Conductor and Children’s Choir Director at First Presbyterian Church, Richmond, where he finds great joy in nurturing choral artistry across generations. He has previously served as conductor of the Licking Valley Singers, a community ensemble dedicated to artistic excellence and regional engagement.

Isaac earned both the Master of Music in Choral Conducting and the Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Vocal Pedagogy from Eastern Kentucky University. His conducting studies were shaped by the mentorship of Richard Waters and Ho-Yin Kwok, whose influence fostered a disciplined, expressive, and singer-centered approach to ensemble leadership. As a vocalist and pedagogue, Isaac studied voice with Joyce Hall Wolf, developing a strong foundation in healthy vocal production and musical communication that continues to inform his work on the podium and in the classroom.

While Isaac’s academic training is rooted primarily in classical music, his musical life extends well beyond it. He is also an active bluegrass musician, having toured regionally and internationally with the renowned Eastern Kentucky University Bluegrass Ensemble. He credits his bluegrass mentor, Pam Perry—a Grammy-nominated artist—with shaping his understanding of authenticity, storytelling, and the communal nature of music-making. This breadth of experience—from concert halls to porches, festivals, churches, and community spaces—deeply informs the warmth and sincerity of his artistic voice.

In addition to his conducting and teaching appointments, Isaac is an active clinician and guest conductor. His recent work includes serving as clinician for the Southern Kentucky Music Association’s All-Festival Honor Choir, where he worked with young singers and directors to foster musical excellence, collaboration, and expressive performance. He regularly enjoys engaging with students and educators through honor choirs, workshops, and clinics.

Isaac is a member of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and the Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA), and he remains actively engaged in the broader professional choral community.

Isaac currently lives in Richmond, Kentucky, with his wife, Madelynne, whose support brings joy and grounding to every aspect of his life and work. Together, they love building community, making music, and celebrating the beauty and culture of their Appalachian home.