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​When I stand on a podium, my desire is Connection; connection with the musicians in front of me, connection to the music, and connection to the story that we are privileged to share through sound. As a director, my goal is to help musicians achieve their highest level of artistry while nurturing a deep sense of community, self-empowerment, and enjoyment.

Conducting Highlights

Fullerton College, Fullerton, CA | Voice and Choir faculty member

• Classical Voice Instructor, Treble Chorale Director, Tenor-Bass Chorale Director

Canyon High School, Anaheim, CA | Vocal director

• Director of five choirs: entry-level to advanced honors. 
• Choir performance at Carnegie Hall, NYC
• Annual performance tours- San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, San Diego
• Unanimous Superior ratings at all Southern CA Vocal Association Choral Festivals.

Young Americans College of Performing Arts | Voice, piano, and songwriting instructor
La Purisima School | K-8 general music teacher and Youth Choir director
Outstanding Teacher | Orange Unified School District, OC Register 
American Choral Director’s Association | Member
Southern California Vocal Association | Choir clinician & adjudicator, Classical solo adjudicator, Honor choir manager
Media | Featured on NPR’s KPCC Program, “In This Choir, Every Gender Has a Voice.” 
Mindful Schools Certification | Mindful Schools Teacher Fundamentals ​

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“Ariel May is one of the finest choral conductors of her generation. Her attention to detail, her positive approach, her love for the music, and her inspirational leadership in guiding her singers to a true understanding and personal identification with each piece of music is unparalleled. From a pianist’s perspective, she is a joy to work with. I can’t recommend her highly enough!”
​- Carolyn Rugh, M.M., Collaborative Pianist

Testimonials

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