Chase C.

I hold a Master of Music (M.M.) in Composition & Theory and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Vocal Performance & Music Education (double major). My graduate studies focused on contemporary classical music, music theory, and compositional techniques across diverse styles and instrumentation. During my undergraduate years, I received rigorous vocal training rooted in both operatic and contemporary performance practices. Throughout my academic journey, I studied under distinguished faculty and visiting artists, refining my skills in composition, orchestration, voice, piano, and conducting. My education was further enriched by active participation in chamber ensembles, choirs, opera workshops, and interdisciplinary collaborations—experiences that continue to inform both my creative work and teaching philosophy.

Over the years, I’ve studied privately with a diverse and distinguished group of composers, performers, and educators across a range of disciplines. My composition studies have included mentorship from internationally acclaimed figures such as Magnar Åm, Lei Liang, Justin Dello Joio, Lansing McLoskey, Nina C. Young, Marcos Balter, Renée Favand-See, Oliver Weber, Ken Walicki, and Norman Weston—each offering unique perspectives on contemporary classical, electro-acoustic, and experimental music. In performance and musicianship, I’ve trained under renowned professionals including MET opera singer Diane Elias (voice), Al Brightbill (conducting), Scott Farthing (vocal pedagogy), Richard Chasin, Timothy Hall (trumpet), Peggy Duquesnel, Pamela Worcester, and Juanita Brightbill (piano and keyboard). This wide-ranging private instruction has deeply shaped my artistic identity, grounding me in both classical tradition and contemporary innovation.

Over the past two years, I have performed daily as a headlining entertainer aboard luxury cruise ships with Atlas Ocean Voyages, delivering multiple hours of live music each day across a wide variety of styles and settings. My performances have spanned solo piano-vocal sets, jazz improvisation, and fully produced shows—including my original multimedia performance, [I'm Not a Robot!]—for international audiences in destinations such as Antarctica, Iceland, Svalbard, Norway, and Greenland. With a background in jazz, opera, classical, pop, folk, and rock, I bring versatility and emotional range to every performance. Prior to my cruise work, I performed extensively in concert halls, opera productions, festivals, and collaborative ensembles. My consistent stage experience has honed not only my musicianship, but also my ability to connect with diverse audiences through storytelling, spontaneity, and musical nuance.

With over 16 years of teaching experience, I have worked with students of all ages and backgrounds across a wide range of disciplines—including voice, piano, trumpet, songwriting, theory, and ensemble coaching. I have taught at the university level as a professor at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) and Saddleback College, where I led courses in music theory and aural skills. In addition to academic settings, I have taught private lessons both in-person and online, working with international students during my time as a cruise ship entertainer. My students range from absolute beginners to competition winners and aspiring professionals. I’m known for my supportive, intuitive, and flexible approach, adapting my teaching to each student’s unique goals while building strong foundational technique, confidence, and creativity. Whether guiding a young vocalist through their first performance or mentoring a composer preparing for conservatory auditions, I strive to make each lesson an inspiring and empowering experience.