Educator
I believe effective music education begins with clarity, communication, and trust. My teaching emphasizes collaboration and expressive efficiency, helping students develop both technical skill and an authentic artistic voice.
As Assistant Professor and Director of Choral Activities at Chapman University, I prepare the next generation of artist-teachers to navigate the evolving landscape of 21st-century music. My pedagogical philosophy is anchored in my "Show it, Sing it, Say it" model, which streamlines the rehearsal process through physical demonstration and vocal modeling. From mentoring graduate conducting students at UCLA to serving as a Teaching Artist for the VOCES8 Foundation, I am committed to a "people-first" approach that balances rigorous musical standards with a deep belief in the transformative power of finding one's own voice.
Conductor
As a conductor, I create focused, artistically rich rehearsal spaces grounded in clear gesture and shared purpose. My programming balances rigor, storytelling, and meaningful connection between musicians and audiences.
In my role as Artistic Director of the Laguna Beach Chamber Singers, I curate diverse programs that bridge the gap between academic excellence and community impact. My conducting is informed by my background as a professional vocalist, allowing me to lead from the podium with a unique understanding of vocal color, resonance, and choral blend. My experience ranges from preparing world premieres for LA Opera Connects to leading professional liturgical ensembles like Vox Ardens, always with the goal of fostering an environment where technical precision meets deep, human storytelling.
Singer
I am a lyric baritone with a passion for expressive, stylistically flexible singing. I perform regularly as both a soloist and ensemble musician, with particular interest in contemporary oratorio and 21st-century choral works.
A Grammy Award-winning ensemble artist, I have performed with many of the nation's preeminent vocal organizations, including the Los Angeles Master Chorale, Houston Chamber Choir, and Seraphic Fire. My solo career includes appearances with the Philadelphia Orchestra and New Haven Symphony Orchestra, and I am particularly drawn to works that use the baritone voice to explore themes of identity and justice. Whether performing the works of J.S. Bach or premiering 21st-century cantatas, I advocate for a cross-disciplinary approach to vocalism that is as stylistically adaptable as it is technically grounded.