Arts Leader & Conductor
In 2012, I founded Choral Arts Initiative, hailed as one of Orange County’s Best Choirs (CBS News, Los Angeles). As the Executive Director, I ensure the stability and success of the organization, and as the Artistic Director, I implement our creative vision by curating performance programs, commissioning new music, sourcing new, fantastic talent, and conducting performances.
Through Choral Arts Initiative, I give living composers and artists the opportunity to have their works performed, bringing new music to life and delivering stimulating choral performances to local and virtual audiences.
In 2014 I was a finalist for the American Prize in Choral Conducting and in 2011, I was a recipient of Pacific Chorale’s Elliot and Kathleen Alexander Memorial Scholarship for Outstanding Choral Conducting. Under my leadership, Choral Arts Initiative won the American Prize in Choral Performance (American Prize Foundation) in 2014, received the ASCAP/Chorus America Award for Adventurous Programming in 2017, and won the 2020 Audience Choice Award for Best New Music Performance (San Francisco Classical Voice). Our debut album ranked 6th on the Billboard Charts and 4th on iTunes for New Classical Releases, and was a #1 bestseller.
Educator
As the Director of Choral & Vocal Activities, Professor of Music, and Academic Advisor for all music majors at Moorpark College, I serve as a guide to students as they grow personally and professionally, providing mentorship, education, and encouragement. For me, there is no greater joy than guiding a student from freshman orientation to graduation, seeing them grow and become prepared for their future.
Choosing a career in music is choosing a career with many obstacles to success. I have overcome these obstacles thanks to my passion, persistence, and focused determination – traits I nurture in my students. I merge classical training with music industry knowledge, but I am also a strong believer in challenging preconceived ideas and exploring new approaches. This combination allows me to help my students forge their own paths and reach their goals.
Part of helping my students grow is exposing them to new music and cultures, which is why I place a heavy emphasis on international touring. My choirs have performed at St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican City and have toured throughout Spain, Central Europe, as well as closer to home in San Francisco and San Diego.
I’m proud to say that my former voice students are actively performing in concert venues, theme parks, and on screen as recitalists, opera singers, musical theatre performers, professional choristers, and singer-songwriters.
Musician
As a professional vocal musician, I regularly perform in professional and semi-professional ensembles. Recent engagements include singing in the Cincinnati Vocal Arts Ensemble with Craig Hella Johnson, Pacific Chorale with John Alexander, as well as a variety of contracted session ensembles in the Los Angeles region for artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Beck, Zelda Live, and other commercial tracks.
Consultant
I provide consultancy services for the Arts & Entertainment industry. Specialized areas include: authenticity of music usage and placement (historical and cultural); choral and vocal contracting for film, television, and commercial usage; artist management strategy for new or emerging artists; music utilization to create immersive worlds or to facilitate seamless transition of multiple worlds; organization change and new employee training.
