Hello, I'm Esther,
Music has been the thread running through every chapter of my life. What began as a love for piano, eventually led me to accompanying choirs, singing in choirs, conducting ensembles and coaching choir directors.
Along the way, I have had the privilege of working with children's choirs, school and collegiate ensembles, and community choruses. My journey eventually brought me to Hawaii, where I taught in college music programs, conducted symphony choruses, and collaborated with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra. I've also had opportunities to guest conduct ensembles throughout the islands.
Every choir, every rehearsal, and every performance taught me something - not only about music, but about people.
You don't have to figure it all out alone.
I spent too many years believing that being a conductor meant having all the answers. Over time, I came to understand something different: a choir is a community of people who come together to accomplish something greater than they could alone.
Leadership is less about proving yourself and more about serving your singers - earning their trust, understanding their needs, and helping them work toward a shared vision of musical excellence.
That understanding became the foundation of Choral Compass. Today, I coach new and early-career choir directors as they develop greater confidence artistry and leadership.
Our work together isn't about me telling you what to do. I'll ask thoughtful questions, listen carefully, celebrate your successes, and challenge your thinking. Together, we'll explore solutions that work for you, your music, and your singers.
My hope is to help you grow not only as a musician and conductor, but also as the kind of leader who inspires people to do their best work together.
A Little More About Me.
Twenty years ago, what was supposed to be a temporary position brought me to Hawaii. I never imagined it would become my home. Along the way I met my husband, found an extraordinary musical community, and discovered a place that continues to inspire me.
Away from music, you'll often find me reading, cooking, enjoying coffee on my lanai, or walking Hawaii's beautiful shores with my energetic Rottweiler, Molly. I also enjoy joining my husband on medical mission trips, serving communities around the world.
Professional Background
My musical career has included university teaching, community and church music, and work with ensembles at all levels. My academic training spans choral conducting, conducting, piano performance, and music education.
Degrees and Training
Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting, College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati
Master of Music in Conducting, Faculty of Music, University of Toronto
Artist Diploma in Piano Performance, Hochschule für Musik München, Munich, Germany
Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Faculty of Music, University of Toronto
Selected Appointments:
Artistic Director: Oahu Choral Society
Choral Conductor: Honolulu Symphony
Director of Choral Activities: Hawaii Pacific University
Interim Director of Choral Activities: University of Hawaii Manoa, Honolulu, HI
Hollins University: Assistant Professor of Music
Director of Choirs: Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy
Music Director: Christ United Methodist Church, Honolulu
Director: Blue Ash Presbyterian Church, Cincinnati
Music Director: Toronto Korean Presbyterian Church
Music Director: Toronto United Church
Let's Work Together
You don't have to navigate the challenges of choral leadership on your own. If you're ready to grow as a conductor, strengthen your musical leadership, and discover new possibilities for your choir, I'd love to talk with you.
