Laura Keverian Pitts is a native of Southern California and has spent her teaching career in both private and public schools, teaching music literacy and specializing in choral music. Her passion for choral conducting led her to study with master children’s and youth choral conductors Dr. Doreen Rao, Dr. Janet Galvan and Mr. Henry Leck. She received her Master of Music degree in choral conducting, studying with her longtime mentor, Donald Brinegar. Additional advanced musical study included Kodály pedagogy and methodology, and she was recently invited to be an instructor for the Kodály Association of Southern California certification courses. Mrs. Pitts teaches at Azusa Pacific University and Cal Poly, Pomona, focusing on aural theory, sight-singing and ear-training, and music education courses. A lifelong singer, Mrs. Pitts formerly performed with the Los Angeles Master Chorale and is currently performing with the Donald Brinegar Singers, with whom she is a founding member.

Dr. Leah Murthy is a conductor dedicated to inspiring change through relevant music education. As Associate Editor of the International Journal for Education and the Arts, she facilitates the sharing of innovative ideas in arts education globally. In thirteen years of K-12 teaching and eight years with the National Children’s Chorus, Dr. Murthy has promoted respect for cultural richness and diversity. She has taught and performed in Europe, Asia, Africa, and across the U.S. Her doctoral research centered on multi-musical choral educators, and another recent study pertained to the perceived usefulness of music teaching that focuses on ethics. Recently, she presented at the National Association for Music Education Research and Teacher Education Conference, and the International Research in Music Education conferences, underscoring her commitment to advancing music education that supports all learners. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in music education from Boston University, a Master of Music degree from The Boston Conservatory and a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance from the University of Massachusetts.

Dr. Leah Murthy is a conductor dedicated to inspiring change through relevant music education. As Associate Editor of the International Journal for Education and the Arts, she facilitates the sharing of innovative ideas in arts education globally. In thirteen years of K-12 teaching and eight years with the National Children’s Chorus, Dr. Murthy has promoted respect for cultural richness and diversity. She has taught and performed in Europe, Asia, Africa, and across the U.S. Her doctoral research centered on multi-musical choral educators, and another recent study pertained to the perceived usefulness of music teaching that focuses on ethics. Recently, she presented at the National Association for Music Education Research and Teacher Education Conference, and the International Research in Music Education conferences, underscoring her commitment to advancing music education that supports all learners. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in music education from Boston University, a Master of Music degree from The Boston Conservatory and a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance from the University of Massachusetts.

Dr. Leah Murthy is a conductor dedicated to inspiring change through relevant music education. As Associate Editor of the International Journal for Education and the Arts, she facilitates the sharing of innovative ideas in arts education globally. In thirteen years of K-12 teaching and eight years with the National Children’s Chorus, Dr. Murthy has promoted respect for cultural richness and diversity. She has taught and performed in Europe, Asia, Africa, and across the U.S. Her doctoral research centered on multi-musical choral educators, and another recent study pertained to the perceived usefulness of music teaching that focuses on ethics. Recently, she presented at the National Association for Music Education Research and Teacher Education Conference, and the International Research in Music Education conferences, underscoring her commitment to advancing music education that supports all learners. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in music education from Boston University, a Master of Music degree from The Boston Conservatory and a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance from the University of Massachusetts.