Adam Potter
Visiting Professor of Music
Department
- Conservatory of Music
Contact Information
- apotter22@capital.edu
- Conservatory Complex
Biography
Dr. Adam Potter has been appointed Director of Choral Activities at the Capital University Conservatory of Music, where he will conduct the renowned Chapel Choir and lead a vibrant and storied choral program while shaping the next generation of conductors, teachers, singers, and artistic leaders. A dynamic conductor, devoted pedagogue, and passionate advocate for transformative music-making, Dr. Potter brings a record of artistic innovation, student-centered teaching, and community engagement that resonates deeply with Capital’s mission and legacy.
Dr. Potter is widely recognized for cultivating choral musicianship that is both technically rigorous and profoundly human. His approach centers on empowering students with independent musical skills, confident vocal technique, and a deep sense of ownership over their artistry. In rehearsal and performance alike, he fosters ensemble cultures defined by trust, belonging, and expressive freedom where singers from diverse backgrounds are unified into cohesive communities capable of compelling, meaningful performance.
Prior to his appointment at Capital, Dr. Potter served on the faculty of the University of Missouri School of Music, where he conducted the Concert Chorale and taught undergraduate and graduate coursework in music education, and at Roberts Wesleyan University, where he was Director of Choral Activities and Associate Professor of Music. At Roberts, he revitalized the choral experience through imaginative programming built around cohesive thematic arcs, introducing repertoire that challenged and inspired singers while engaging audiences both on campus and beyond. His ensembles performed at conferences and toured internationally across the United States, Canada, and Europe, earning recognition for their artistry, versatility, and communicative power. Earlier in his career, he distinguished himself as Director of Choral Activities at Delta State University and developed thriving and growing vocal music curricula as Director of Vocal Music at Dansville High School. Across all of his appointments, his students have distinguished themselves through selection to prestigious conducting masterclasses, graduate assistantships, and successful careers as conductors and music educators nationwide.
Dr. Potter began his academic journey under the guidance of Brandon Johnson at Houghton College and continued it at Florida State University, where he earned a PhD in choral conducting and music education while studying with prominent educators Judy Bowers, Kevin Fenton, and André Thomas. His research and teaching interests lie at the intersection of music literacy, vocal pedagogy in ensemble settings, and servant leadership in conducting—an approach that places not only skill-building but also humility, empathy, and relational connection at the heart of artistic excellence.
At Capital, Dr. Potter is eager to build upon the Conservatory’s rich choral tradition by expanding opportunities for artistic collaboration, deepening student engagement, and strengthening connections between the university and the broader community. He envisions a choral program that not only achieves the highest levels of musical excellence but also transforms lives, equipping students with the skills, curiosity, and compassion to lead meaningful musical lives wherever their paths may go. The first in his family to attend college, Dr. Potter proudly traces his roots to a family dairy farm in rural Pennsylvania—an upbringing that instilled a lifelong respect for the dignity of hard work, belief in the transformative power of education, and dedication to cultivating meaningful relationships. Beyond the podium, he is an avid traveler, hiker, and wine enthusiast who finds joy in exploring cultures, landscapes, and communities around the world.