Jillian Burgam

Jillian Burgam is a Lecturer of Choral Music at Eastern Michigan University, where she conducts the EMU Voices. Prior to her work at EMU, Jillian taught for 10 years in public middle schools and high schools all over the country. Working in Wickenburg, AZ, Helena, MT, and most recently at Fordson High School in Dearborn, MI, Jillian’s choirs have earned superior ratings at solo, ensemble, and choral festivals alike, and have had singers qualify for regional, state, and all-state honors choirs. Most importantly, her work in public education has focused on Culturally Responsive Teaching and engaging English Language Learners. Among her fellow educators, she has focused on advocating on behalf of new teachers, developing a Mentorship program at Wickenburg High School, and a New Teacher Orientation at Fordson High School.

An advocate for community choirs throughout Metro Detroit, Jillian is the Artistic Director of the Detroit Women’s Chorus (DWC), a barrier-free treble choir that welcomes singers of all ability levels. With rich ties to the community, DWC has collaborated with Brilliant Detroit, Detroit Institute of Arts, Royal Oak Concert Band, Covenant House Michigan, and Remembering Cherubs. DWC has appeared on PBS: Detroit Performs, worked with Detroit artists Emily Rose, Audra Kubat, and Emily Rogers, sang and marched at Take Back the Night Ann Arbor, and performed the National Anthem at a Detroit Tigers game. 

Jillian currently serves as Interim Music Director at First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham where she leads the Chancel Choir, a semi-professional adult ensemble that performs at services and presents large-scale choral-orchestral works. She previously spent four years as assistant conductor of the Detroit Concert Choir, working with a diverse group of singers ranging in age from 22 to 75.

Jillian sings professionally with Beyond, Lakeshore Chamber Singers, and Crossroads: A Detroit Choral Project. She has appeared as a guest performer with Christ Church Grosse Pointe, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Toledo Symphony, and the UMS Choral Union. Jillian has also worked with professional choirs around the country, singing with the Grammy Award-winning Phoenix Chorale, Solis Camerata, the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir, and the Spoleto Festival USA Chorus. 

Jillian completed her graduate degree in Choral Conducting from Westminster Choir College (2020) and her Bachelor of Music degree in Choral Music Education and Spanish Education from Western Michigan University (2013). She is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association and Chorus America and is the State Choral Festival Supervisor for the Michigan School Vocal Music Association.

Educational CV

Jillian Burgam is a Part-Time Lecturer in Choral Music at Eastern Michigan University. Find her full education CV here.