April Mendiola is a Mexican-American music educator, conductor, and soprano from Los Angeles, California. She is highly regarded for her contributions in choral program building and development, driven by her innate warmth and kindness that create a safe place for singers. As a public school educator, she introduced and cultivated communities of singers in schools that once lacked such opportunities, and she continues to advocate for equitable access to choral music and the vocal arts. 

 

April holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from California State University, Long Beach, where she studied with renowned vocal pedagogue, Dr. Katharin Rundus. While pursuing her Master’s degree, April completed special studies in Vocal Pedagogy, and was an instructor of record for Class Voice, an undergraduate course for instrumental education majors and non-music majors. An active performer, she was cast as “Soeur Constance” in CSULB Opera’s production of Poulenc’s Dialogues des Carmelites. She also participated in the NATS Collegiate Auditions and received First Place in the Graduate Division. April earned a Bachelor of Arts in Choral Music Education from California State University, Fullerton. She also holds a California Single-Subject Teaching Credential in Music. While at CSUF, April performed as a choral artist in venues including The Hollywood Bowl, Pantages and Greek Theaters, Staples and Honda Centers, and Walt Disney Concert Hall. 

 

She is currently the Graduate Assistant in Sacred Music at St. Louis Catholic Church in Memphis, Tennessee, where she also cantors and serves as Assistant Director of Music Ministry. She studies applied organ with Dr. Scott Elsholz.

 

April will begin doctoral studies in Choral Conducting at the University of Memphis in August 2025. 

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