George Heldt started music instruction at age 6 in Wayne, Michigan. His first Church position was Assistant Organist at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Wayne from 1968 until 1973.

From 1970 to 1974 he held the position of Organist at Zion Lutheran Church in the inner-city of Detroit.

After graduating from the University of Windsor in 1973, George lived in Chatham, Ontario for 12 years.  In addition to teaching and performing, he was Organist/Choir-Director at First Presbyterian Church from 1974 to 1976 and was organist at Blessed Sacrament Church from 1977 to 1985, as well as assistant organist at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church.

In 1985 George moved to Toronto to take a position at Yamaha Canada Music and  St. Mark’s  Presbyterian Church.   Since moving here he obtained the CRCCO (Colleague of the Royal Canadian College of Organists) in 1995 and the ARCT diploma (from the Royal Conservatory of Music) in vocal performance in 2000, and in piano teaching in 2006.  Over the years he has performed in Michigan, Ohio, and Ontario, which include concerts in Kingston and at Casa Loma.  George was a choir member at St. Thomas’s Church in Toronto from 1988-1991.  He was Assistant Organist at the Organ Grinder restaurant in Toronto from 1992 to 1996.  In addition to his duties at St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church, he has been the Assistant Organist/Cantor at St. Lawrence, Martyr Church in Scarborough since 2002, Music Minister at Providence Healthcare since 1999 and Accompanist at Sunnyview Public School since 1999.

As Director of Music at St. Mark’s, George leads a senior Choir, and along with Beth Clelland, accompanies a junior musical band of teenagers called the ‘JCs’ who perform regularly during worship and other occasions, playing a diversity of instruments. There is also a musical program for children called ‘Smile’ which includes lessons as well as opportunities to perform.

Whether you are an adult, youth or child, there is a place for you in our music program at St. Mark’s. Come and hear some of the great diversity of music offered. Come and offer us your gifts and love of music!