Derek Tam, Assistant Conductor

Currently based in San Francisco, Derek Tam is a harpsichordist and conductor. A recent cum laude graduate of Yale University in music and political science, Derek performs regularly with ensembles on both coasts.

As a conductor, Derek appears frequently with choral ensembles in the Bay Area. In addition to his position as the Assistant Conductor of the Berkeley Community Chorus and Orchestra (BCCO), where he works with the full chorus, directs the Chamber Singers, and leads outreach efforts at Berkeley High School, Derek serves as a conductor at Star Valley Children's Choir in Millbrae. He is also Director of Music at Bethany Presbyterian Church in San Bruno and was recently appointed Artistic Director of Opus Q, a men's vocal ensemble based in Berkeley.

In addition to his conducting career, Derek is an active performer on the harpsichord and other historical keyboards. A founding member (as a harpsichordist and conductor) of MUSA, a professional Baroque group in the Bay Area, he will perform in Seattle and New York this season. As a historical keyboardist, he is an Apprentice with the Benvenue House Concert series, led by artistic director Tanya Tomkins.

Derek is also a registered tax professional with the State of California and teaches piano and voice privately.

His principal teachers include Elizabeth Parisot and Jing Xu on the piano, Jeffrey Douma in conducting, and Ilya Poletaev on the harpsichord. For more information, visit www.dereksaihotam.com.