Music educator, producer, and audio professional with 30+ years of experience teaching, arranging, composing, and leading live and studio music production. Skilled in music technology, live sound, A/V system design, and mentoring performers and production teams to deliver high-quality, seamless experiences. Trusted leader across faith-based youth programs, college-level instruction, and public education—known for developing engaging curricula, directing weekly music and special events, producing original content for social media, and delivering end-to-end audio/visual and streaming support.

Sydney Brown

Music educator, producer, and audio professional with 30+ years of experience teaching, arranging, composing, and leading live and studio music production. Skilled in music technology, live sound, A/V system design, and mentoring performers and production teams to deliver high-quality, seamless experiences. Trusted leader across faith-based youth programs, college-level instruction, and public education—known for developing engaging curricula, directing weekly music and special events, producing original content for social media, and delivering end-to-end audio/visual and streaming support.

Available to hire

Music educator, producer, and audio professional with 30+ years of experience teaching, arranging, composing, and leading live and studio music production. Skilled in music technology, live sound, A/V system design, and mentoring performers and production teams to deliver high-quality, seamless experiences.

Trusted leader across faith-based youth programs, college-level instruction, and public education—known for developing engaging curricula, directing weekly music and special events, producing original content for social media, and delivering end-to-end audio/visual and streaming support.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Music Director and Arranger at Bandwidth
September 1, 2020 - June 1, 2025
Led music direction and technical production for live and recorded performances, overseeing audio engineering, live sound, and A/V system design. Collaboratively developed and refined curriculum for music and audio programs, evaluating outcomes and implementing enhancements based on feedback. Mentored and educated students from diverse backgrounds, contributing to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Provided dedicated instruction and guidance with a strong emphasis on engaging, high-quality learning experiences.
Music Educator at Chicago Public Schools
September 1, 1993 - June 1, 2008
Instructed students in the ALO program and led special music programs, developing and implementing music curricula for diverse student groups. Produced and arranged music for school events and community programs while managing technical aspects of performances and recordings. Mentored students from varied cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, supporting both their musical and personal development. Participated in collaborative curriculum development and program analysis to enhance educational outcomes.
Music Instructor at Malcolm X College
September 1, 1993 - January 1, 1998
Taught adult education courses in music theory and group guitar while creating and directing a gospel choir, demonstrating curriculum development and innovative teaching methods. Developed and delivered seminars and demonstrations on audio production, and hosted children’s programs and workshops at schools and community centers. Facilitated virtual lessons in voice, piano, and guitar through the Taylor Institute using Zoom and other online platforms. Worked with underserved and minority student populations to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Staff Musician and Youth Music Director at Christ Temple Universal Temple
September 1, 1992 - Present
Directed weekly music performances and managed live sound, audio/visual production, and streaming for worship services and special events. Orchestrated technical production including PowerPoint and video presentations for in-person and online audiences, while creating original content for YouTube, Facebook, and other social media platforms. Recruited, trained, and mentored volunteers and staff for music and production teams, ensuring high-quality performances and consistent technical delivery. Produced, mixed, and mastered music using Pro Tools, Sound Forge, Studio One, and Nuendo, and composed original works for services and special programs.
Music Producer and Arranger at Sydwaize Productions, Inc.
January 1, 1983 - Present
Produced, arranged, mixed, and mastered music across genres including gospel, R&B, pop, and children’s music for multiple clients. Composed for media projects, commercials, and demos while delivering projects under tight deadlines using DAWs such as Pro Tools, Nuendo, Cakewalk, Acid, and Wavelab. Collaborated with clients remotely using file-sharing platforms and Zoom, managing communication and project updates efficiently. Adapted creative vision in real time using feedback from session musicians and clients, leveraging Sibelius for immediate score adjustments.
Combat Medic / NEO Officer at US Army (Furth, Germany)
January 1, 1974 - October 6, 2025
Drafted in 1972; served 2 years as a combat medic, orderly room clerk, and Non-Combatant Evacuation Officer responsible for the safe evacuation of families/dependents during emergencies or combat deployment.
Combat Medic / NEO Officer / Orderly Room Clerk at U.S. Army
January 1, 1974 - October 6, 2025
Drafted in 1972; served two years in Furth, Germany; performed combat medic duties, orderly room clerk functions, and Non-Combatant Evacuation Officer duties to evacuate families during emergencies or deployments.

Education

Ford Foundation Special Program at Oberlin College (Ford Foundation Special Program)
January 11, 2030 - October 6, 2025
Liberal Arts / General Studies at Loop Junior College (Harold Washington Junior College)
January 1, 1974 - October 6, 2025
Music Education at Roosevelt University College of Music
January 11, 2030 - October 6, 2025
Special program participant at Ford Foundation program at Oberlin College (selected from school district)
January 11, 2030 - October 6, 2025
Elementary education at Divoll Elementary School
January 11, 2030 - October 6, 2025
Organ instruction at Vashon High School
January 11, 2030 - October 6, 2025
High School at Hirsch High School
January 11, 2030 - October 6, 2025
Junior College at Loop Junior College (Harold Washington College)
January 11, 2030 - October 6, 2025
Music Education (Voice and Guitar) at Roosevelt University College of Music
January 11, 2030 - October 6, 2025
Music Studies at Roosevelt University’s Chicago Musical College
September 1, 1994 - June 1, 1998

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services