Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate (Chickasaw) is a dedicated American Indian classical composer and pianist who expresses his Native culture in symphonic music, ballet and opera. All of his compositions have been commissioned by major North American orchestras, ensembles and organizations and his works are performed throughout the world.
How did you get started?
My Chickasaw father is a classically trained pianist and baritone and my Manx mother was a choreographer and dancer. So I grew up with piano and theatre.
Did you always want a career in the music industry?
Yes. I started piano lessons at age eight and, after three months of lessons, I announced to my parents that I was to be a concert pianist.
What is your role in the music industry?
I am a classical symphonic and chamber composer, performing pianist, composition/piano teacher and conductor of my own music.
Most recent successes / placements / accomplishments / accolades / projects? Career highlight?
I was recently appointed Cultural Ambassador for the US Department of State and Distinguished Alumni recipient from The Cleveland Institute of Music. My new opera, Shell Shaker: A Chickasaw Opera, is a Mellon Foundation commission and premieres Fall 2022. My CD Works by Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate was recorded by the San Francisco Symphony and Chorus. My symphonic/choral work, Iholba’ (The Vision), premieres at Carnegie Hall in June 2022 and is sung entirely in the Chickasaw language.
What is your favorite Oklahoma music venue, music store, recording studio, etc.?
First Americans Museum, Castle Row Studios, Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) Concert Hall
Networking and connecting with others who share your dream or vision is a vital aspect to the music industry. Can you share which Oklahoma organizations (if any) have contributed to your success and are there Oklahoma organizations you would recommend others connect with for promotion or to help further their craft?
Onyx Lane, Castle Row Studios, Oklahoma City University, University of Central Oklahoma, KUCO
How can we follow you? Best place to purchase and listen to your music?
My website is jerodtate.com. I can also be found on Spotify, Amazon and iTunes.
Share a piece of advice for someone interested in working in the music industry.
Listen, religiously, to the podcast The Portfolio Composer. Listen to every single episode. I am very, very serious about this advice. VERY.
What are some of the benefits of having a music career in Oklahoma? Did these impact your decision to move back to Oklahoma?
My Chickasaw tribe, along with our 38 other tribes, are in Oklahoma. This is of the utmost importance to me and critical that my son is raised here.
Share your favorite quote.
“I’m not very talented, I just try real hard!” – Dr. Donald Erb