Biography
368 words
Francis Cathlina, D.M.A. (he/him) is a Vietnamese-American conductor and educator, renowned for his innovative approach to choral music. His concerts invite audiences into a world where choral artistry becomes a powerful storytelling medium.
Dr. Cathlina is currently the Director of Choral Activities at the University of Memphis, where he received the 2025 Dean’s Award for Creative Achievement. He oversees the Choral Area, leads the MM/DMA Choral Conducting program, and conducts the University Singers.
A two-time GRAMMY-nominated educator, Dr. Cathlina draws deeply from his Eastern heritage. His work reflects a commitment to excellence and collaboration. In 2025, he will serve on the conducting faculty for Brazil’s XV FIMUS Festival and work in the Philippines as part of ACDA’s International Conductors Exchange Program. Early recognition came from the Texas Choral Directors Association (TCDA), who named him a “Young Director of Distinction.”
Cathlina’s teaching philosophy centers on developing masterful technicians, expressive communicators, and thoughtful citizens. Under his direction, the UofM University Singers have been invited to perform for national and state conferences, while his former students now lead prominent choral programs. Recent engagements involve All-State choirs in Mississippi and Kentucky, the International Mu Phi Convention Chorus, and a Carnegie Hall debut. Conducting honor choirs remains his favorite form of creative activity.
An authority on vocal pedagogy, Dr. Cathlina's research focuses on choral tone and conducting gesture. He has presented over 62 sessions worldwide. He is published in international journals. In 2025, he served as the Choral Headliner for the Alabama Music Educators Association Conference. In 2023, he co-led Conducting Masterclasses in Greece with the University of Macedonia (Thessaloniki) and Ionian University (Corfu).
Dr. Cathlina earned a DMA in conducting with a vocal pedagogy cognate from the University of North Texas, an MM from Michigan State University, and a BME from Baylor University. Before his doctorate, he taught in Texas public schools. Beyond the podium, Dr. Cathlina is an avid pickleball player. He, his husband Kyle, and their dog Coco call Memphis, Tennessee, their home.
In concert, Cathlina wears an áo dài, traditional Vietnamese formalwear. As one of the few Vietnamese conductors in the field, he proudly dons it as a tribute to his heritage. www.franciscathlina.com
Abridged Biography
285 words
Francis Cathlina, D.M.A. (he/him) is a Vietnamese-American conductor and educator, renowned for his innovative approach to choral music. He currently serves as the Director of Choral Activities at the University of Memphis, where he received the 2025 Dean’s Award for Creative Achievement. Dr. Cathlina leads the Choral Area, the MM/DMA Choral Conducting program, and conducts the University Singers.
A two-time GRAMMY-nominated educator, Dr. Cathlina draws on his Eastern heritage to foster excellence and collaboration. In 2025, he will guest conduct in Brazil and the Philippines. The UofM University Singers, under his direction, have been invited to perform for national and state conferences, while his former students now lead prominent choral programs. Early recognition came from the Texas Choral Directors Association (TCDA), who named him a “Young Director of Distinction.”
An authority on vocal pedagogy, Dr. Cathlina’s research focuses on choral tone and conducting gesture in international journals. He has presented over 62 sessions worldwide, co-leading two conducting masterclasses in Greece and headline the 2025 Alabama Music Educators Association Conference. With an extensive conducting schedule nationwide, working with honor choirs remains his favorite form of creative activity.
Dr. Cathlina earned a DMA in conducting with a vocal pedagogy cognate from the University of North Texas, an MM from Michigan State University, and a BME from Baylor University. Before his doctorate, he taught in Texas public schools. Beyond the podium, Dr. Cathlina is an avid pickleball player. He, his husband Kyle, and their dog Coco call Memphis, Tennessee, their home.
In concert, Cathlina wears an áo dài, traditional Vietnamese formalwear. As one of the few Vietnamese conductors in the field, he proudly dons it as a tribute to his heritage. www.franciscathlina.com
