Conductor. Mentor. Scholar.

I’m a choral conductor based in Chicago, and my work is rooted in a love of text, sound, and the shared experience of singing. I serve as Music Director of Chicago Master Singers and Director of Choral Programs at the Green Lake Festival of Music.

Interact with me:

• Join me at an upcoming event

• Ask me to serve as a guest conductor/clinician

• Take private score study lessons with me

• Send me an email

Conducting, commissions, and collaborations

My programming spans major choral-orchestral works and intimate a cappella repertoire. I’m especially drawn to working with living composers, and I’ve had the privilege of commissioning and premiering works by Francis Lynch, Shawn Okpebholo, Dale Trumbore, Reena Esmail, Elaine Hagenberg, and others. These collaborations—whether in concerts, festivals, or residencies—are a central part of my artistic life.

Mentorship

Teaching and mentorship are equally important to me. I founded Chicago Master Singers’ NextGen and Choral Scholars programs and created the Choral Conducting Apprenticeship at the Green Lake Festival of Music. I also work with young singers and emerging conductors through guest conducting, clinics, presentations, and private study.

Writing and scholarship

Alongside my conducting, I’m active as a scholar and writer. I’m the author of Letters to a Young Conductor: Thoughts on Music and Life and have contributed to Choral Repertoire by Women Composers. My work appears in journals including The Choral Journal, The Choral Scholar, and The Diapason, and I prepared a scholarly edition of Leonhard Lechner’s 1593 Passion setting. I also previously hosted the podcast Choir Chat.

At the heart of my work is an ongoing curiosity about how music connects people—across time, communities, and generations. I hold degrees from the University of Iowa, Northern Illinois University, and Augustana College.