Biography
Allan Petker is an acclaimed composer, arranger, conductor, and music publisher.
As a prolific composer and educator, Allan has built an enviable reputation with more than 250 published works to his name, underpinned by a strong academic foundation in music. His multifaceted career has seen him excel in publishing, performance, and education, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.
“Allan Petker does it all: composer, conductor, and instrumentalist. His warmth and energy are infectious. A musician’s musician!”
Bradley Ellingboe
Composer and Conductor
About Allan
Allan Robert Petker (born 1955) is a published composer and arranger with more than 250 published works with numerous publishing houses. His conducting books, “Choral Questions and Answers” Vols. I, II, III, IV, and V, have become staples for school curriculum and secondary resource material. His crusade to offer a cure for musical illiteracy culminated in the publication of the ADVANCE learning series. As a composer for hire, he has written original scores for live performance and has penned a number of original TV commercials that have appeared on the CNBC network. Allan holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree from California State University at Northridge in music, specializing in viola (BA), voice, and choral conducting (MA).
Publisher
Allan has been involved in the choral music publishing industry for many years. In 1977, he became the Director of Publications for Fred Bock Publishing Group, a group that publishes distinguished catalogs such as Gentry Publications, National Music, the H.T. FitzSimons Company, and Hinshaw Music. He is currently the Vice President of Publications. In 1989, he established his own company, Pavane Publishing, and later added John Rich Music Press to his portfolio.
Conductor
As a conductor, Allan frequently serves as a guest clinician or conductor for publishers, choral societies, church festivals, state honor choirs, and colleges. In 1994, he formed Consort Chorale, an ensemble of 50 auditioned voices from the San Francisco Bay area, which maintains an ongoing concert series. In 2004, he became the Conductor and Artistic Director for the Santa Clarita Master Chorale, an 80-voice ensemble that performs a subscription concert season with orchestra. In September of 2015, Allan became the conductor of the Los Cancioneros Master Chorale, a 60-voice auditioned choral ensemble based in Torrance, California. His chorales have toured Europe, Eastern Europe, Russia, and Argentina and are preparing for a trip to South Africa. Internationally, he has guest-conducted choirs in England, Korea, and France.
Clinician
Since 1989, Allan has been a clinician in two summer church music conferences at Lake Tahoe, one for church choir singers, “Summer Sing,” and another for church choir directors, “Tuning @ Tahoe.”
Instrumentalist
As an instrumentalist, Allan has done freelance studio work and occasional concert playing. You may even catch him playing jazz violin and viola at a local pub, one of his favorite things to do.
Personal
Allan is married to Kimberly Ayers, and they live in San Pedro, California. He has two grown children, Joshua Petker and Elyce Berrigan and a beautiful granddaughter, Isabella.
Masterworks
Allan Robert Petker’s compositions have become cornerstones of choral repertoire, featuring majestic works that unite choirs and orchestras. These extended pieces captivate audiences with their depth and complexity, while pushing singers to new levels of artistry and expression.
Recent Commissions
A Timeless Tribute: “In Unceasing Serenade”
“In Unceasing Serenade,” a brand-new SATB choral piece by Allan Robert Petker available for purchase at Pavane Publishing January 2026.
A Tribute to Faithful Service: “I Am Your Servant”
A heartfelt anthem for SATB choir, piano, and flute, honoring servant-hood and gratitude. Based on Psalm 116:16-19.
A Gift of Song: “Blessed Be The One” SATB Choral Score
A humble start gives way to vibrant energy in this rhythmic Psalm setting. The chorus bursts with strength, interrupted by serene contrasts that only fuel its energetic response. A joy to sing. Commissioned by the First Congregational UCC, Santa Rosa, CA, Ron Hawks, Director. In loving memory of Laverna Brown
A Dynamic Concert Opener: “I Will Sing”
A High-Energy Concert Opener for SATB Choir, Keyboard, Brass, and Percussion. Commissioned by Westminster Presbyterian Church, Oklahoma City, this vibrant anthem grabs attention and invites all to sing. With optional brass and percussion, the accompaniment is crisp and rhythmic, featuring exuberant choral sentences that break into canon.
A Beautiful Message: “True Wisdom Brings Peace”
“True Wisdom Brings Peace” is a beautiful anthem for SATB choir and keyboard, based on James 3:17-18. This piece skillfully weaves together themes of compassion, peace, and wisdom, featuring a poignant reharmonization of “There is a Balm in Gilead.”
A Vibrant Anthem:“Live In The Light of God”
Incorporating the hymn, ”God of the Ages, Whose Almighty Hand,” this anthem for choir, piano and optional trumpet celebrates God’s love for us and our calling to share the good news. Commissioned for the dedication of a new church sanctuary, this piece begins softly and builds to a joyful conclusion.