Seal the Deal

Dr. Julie Ford is Director of Vocal-Choral Activities at Saint Mary’s College of California and Director of Chamber Singers at Diablo Valley College. A conductor, vocalist, pianist, and educator, she specializes in classical, early music, jazz, and pop, using a vocal-science-based, genre-inclusive approach to teaching. She holds a Doctorate in Choral Conducting from the University of Oklahoma, a Master’s in Conducting from the Eastman School of Music, a Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance from San José State University, and is a certified Master Teacher in Estill Voice Training.

At Saint Mary’s, Dr. Ford directs Glee, Chamber Singers, and Jazz Singers, and teaches Vocal Science Pedagogy, Diction, Conducting, and Collegiate Seminar. Her ensembles have won multiple Gold Medals at the World Choir Games, performed at Carnegie Hall, and earned top honors at the Folsom Jazz Championships. They have also been featured at ACDA, CASMEC, and NCCO conferences.

An active soloist, she appears on several recordings on Spotify. She previously served as Director of Music at Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church and led the Oakland Jazz Choir, receiving the City of Oakland’s “Key to Creativity” award.

Dr. Ford has served on the board of the California Choral Directors Association and is a frequent guest conductor, adjudicator, and presenter at regional, national, and international events.

Learn more at julieford.org.