Prior to his doctoral studies, Barrett taught choral music in the public schools. His students were selected to perform at state and national levels as well as concert tours throughout Europe with such venues as Sacre Coeur, Notre Dame, Saint Chappelle, Westminster Abbey and St. Giles Cathedral. His students consistently held record numbers of I ratings at district and state music festivals. As a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, his private students were consistently named state and regional finalists. He has studied under Guy B. Webb, Alfred Skoog, Maurice Skones and Bruce Chamberlain.

Barrett often serves as a clinician, adjudicator and director for festivals throughout the U.S. and Europe. He serves as Repertoire and Standards Chair for Youth and Student Activities of the North Central Division of the American Choral Director's Association.