CJ Daniel is an accomplished musician, teacher, choral director with over 15 years of experience teaching children to adults. She earned a Bachelors of Music in Music Education and a California teaching credential in music at the University of Redlands in Redlands, CA as well as a Masters of Music in Choral Conducting from California State University, Fullerton. While at Cal State Fullerton, she had the opportunity to study and conduct many master works under renowned conductor, Dr. Robert Istad. She was also the graduate assistant for the Titan Men’s Chorus and the proud recipient of the Elliot and Kathleen Alexander Scholarship in 2019 for excellence in conducting studies.
Her academic studies have been enhanced by 15 years of real world experience including directing high school and middle school ensembles, elementary music teaching, co-founding a children’s chorus and private studio instruction. She has also held as various church choir director positions throughout Southern California where she worked with both older adults and youth. Her ensembles have regularly received top scores and awards at state and national festivals as she is well versed in vocal technique, languages, and performance style. Her private voice students have also earned top spots in regional honor choirs in Texas and California. She has also music directed several musicals including Footloose, Hello Dolly, Big Fish, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Sideshow, and Little Shop of Horrors. Her conducting and teaching skills have been further strengthened by her experience as a performer in numerous top tier ensembles such as the University of Redlands Chapel Singers, Inspiravi Chamber Choir, and Cal State Fullerton’s University Singers. Her performance credits include Andrea Bocelli, Kathleen Battle, Rudy Live, John Williams, and the 2019 ACDA Western Division Conference. In her many years pursuing music, CJ has traveled to numerous countries to perform including Canada, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Hungary, Austria, Russia, Estonia, Sweden, and Finland.
During her undergraduate years, she studied abroad at the Kodaly Institute in Kecskemet, Hungary and later earned a level one certification in Kodaly Pedagogy. She is passionate about helping students of all ages grow as musician-performers.
In addition to her academics and work experience, her administrative, organizational and interpersonal skills are notable as evidenced by her work as the 2018-2019 festival coordinator at CSUF, nine years working with boosters and community members, and good relationships with all of her professors, administrators, colleagues, peers, and students.
CJ is currently an Army wife teaching music as she moves across the country. She is also a mom to an undeniably adorable daughter! She would love to help you on your journey to growing as a musician. Contact her today to book a first lesson!
