Today we’d like to introduce you to Mikhail Shtangrud.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
MUSYCA Children’s Choir was formed in 2010 in response to the devastating cuts to performing arts education programs in local public schools, especially in the elementary and middle school levels. These cuts brought into focus the already existing lack of quality music education programs for children in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles. Beginning with just two ensembles in one location, MUSYCA endeavored to provide young people of all religious, ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds with the outlet for creative expression.
MUSYCA offers high-quality choral music instruction and musicianship training to children ages 4- 18. Over the years, the choir has grown to offer seven music classes in two locations — West Hills and Granada Hills, providing better access to the program for the entire San Fernando Valley community. In the past year, MUSYCA expanded its class offerings to include two new groups – the Young Men’s Chorus and the Chamber Singers. These are very important additions to the curriculum, which provide extra training and performance opportunities for the teenage members of the choir.
MUSYCA offers many performances and recording opportunities for the students throughout each year and participates in collaborations with community organizations, performing arts groups, composers and artists. Last season’s performance highlights include local community concerts, Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration at the Music Center and the invitational concert at Disneyland Community Arts Showcase. The choir is proud to support charitable causes with performances benefitting the ACLU and Save a Child’s Heart Foundation (benefitting children in need of heart surgeries).
MUSYCA singers collaborated with the Burbank Chorale and Hollywood Studio Orchestra and recorded with artists Camila Cabello, DJ Mustard, Ella Mai, Rihanna, Good Charlotte, and Timeflies. The students recently worked with composer Danny Bensi, recording the soundtrack for the upcoming film Boy Erased and were featured in ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat. The choir worked with the acclaimed Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi, culminating in a performance of his music at the Microsoft Theatre @LA Live.
MUSYCA tours regularly, representing Los Angeles nationally and abroad. The choir traveled domestically to New York to perform in Carnegie Hall, and internationally to sing in Australia, New Zealand, France, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Funding is critical to the success of our organization. To provide access to our services, MUSYCA offers tuition scholarships. No child has ever turned away for financial reasons.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about MUSYCA Children’s Choir – what should we know?
MUSYCA Children’s Choir is led by highly qualified, experienced teaching artists. Dr. Mikhail (Misha) Shtangrud is the founder and the artistic director of MUSYCA. He has more than 20 years of experience as a choral director and a music teacher. His students have appeared on TV and radio, starred in film and on Broadway, performed in international festivals and have been accepted to attend major music schools and universities.
In addition to his work with MUSYCA, Dr. Shtangrud leads the choir program at the Colburn School and serves as the Artistic Director of the Burbank Chorale. He earned the Doctoral Degree in Music Education from the University of Southern California.
Dr. Anna Krendel is the founder and the executive director of MUSYCA. She has more than 25 years of experience as a music performer, teacher, and arts leader. She served as the president-elect, district coordinator, and a Romantic Piano Festival chair for the California Association of Professional Music Teachers (CAPMT).
Dr. Krendel’s versatile performance career spans from solo recitals and chamber music concerts to movie soundtracks. She earned her Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Piano Performance at the University of Southern California.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Collaboration! Choral music is collaborative in nature. It takes many people working together to create success. MUSYCA advisory board consists of professionals who support our mission and share our vision.
Artists and performing arts organizations work with our choir, perform in our concerts and share their expertise with our students. Parents, audience members, and local businesses have become active supporters and volunteers.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.musyca.org
- Phone: 818-554-9937
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musyca/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musycachildrenschoir/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/musycachoir
Image Credit:
Cristina Serrano, Anna Krendel, Andy Richards
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