Dr. Thea Kano
Assistant Musical Director

A native of northern California, Thea Kano began studying the piano at the age of four. In 2004, she completed her doctorate in choral conducting under Donald Neuen at the University of California Los Angeles. She also earned her Master of Music degree in choral conducting from UCLA, and she earned her undergraduate degree in Choral Music Education from Arizona State University. Dr. Kano taught high school vocal music and musical theater in southern California for several years. Her ensembles received several prestigious awards, including Most Outstanding Performance at the Reno International Jazz Festival.

Dr. Kano pursued additional private conducting studies with Paul Salamunovich. While attending graduate school, Dr. Kano served as the Assistant Director of the Angeles Chorale and was the Artistic Director of the San Fernando Valley Youth Chorus in Los Angeles. She was a teaching associate and administrative assistant for the Department of Choral Music at UCLA where she directed the University Chorus. Additional responsibilities included serving as the Assistant Conductor of the UCLA Chorale and the UCLA Chamber Singers.

Dr. Kano came to Washington, DC in 2004 upon her multiple appointments as Assistant Conductor of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC, Assistant Conductor of The Washington Chorus, and Artistic Director of the Capitol Hill Youth Chorus. In addition, Dr. Kano is the founding Artistic Director of the New York City Master Chorale.