GARINEH AVAKIAN

Dr. Avakian is originally from Los Angeles, California, and a graduate of LACHSA. She graduated with a doctorate of musical arts in vocal performance from the USC Thornton School of Music. She holds a bachelor and master in music from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, also a Graduate Certificate Diploma from the USC Thornton School of Music. She has minored in both piano and conducting during her graduate studies. Currently Dr. Avakian is a tenured associate professor of voice and choral music at Pierce College in the Los Angeles Community College District. She has been on voice faculty and has taught advanced music theory/musicianship, piano, and voice at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy College and Conservatory for the Performing Arts in Hollywood, California.

Dr. Avakian is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society, she serves on the Southern California Vocal Association board and is a member of the American Choral Directors Association. She is also a proud member/chorister of the Los Angeles Master Chorale since 2015. Dr. Avakian has been on faculty as a full-time visiting assistant professor in vocal arts and commercial piano at the University of Texas at El Paso. She currently is the Director of Music at Northridge United Methodist Church where she conducts the Chancel Choir. She regularly performs as a soloist with various organizations in the greater Los Angeles area and has a private voice studio as well.