Biography
339 words
Francis Cathlina, D.M.A. (he/him) is a Vietnamese-American conductor and educator. His concerts invite audiences into a world where choral artistry becomes a powerful storytelling medium.
Dr. Cathlina serves as the Director of Choral Activities at the University of Memphis, where he oversees the Choral Area, leads the MM/DMA Choral Conducting program, and conducts the University Singers. His creative work was recognized with the 2025 Dean’s Award for Creative Achievement.
A Yamaha “40 Under 40” educator, Dr. Cathlina maintains an active international profile. In 2025, he served as the Choral Conducting Faculty for Brazil’s FIMUS Festival and worked in the Philippines as part of ACDA’s International Conductors Exchange Program. His work consistently bridges pedagogy with cultural exchange.
Cathlina’s teaching develops masterful technicians, expressive communicators, and thoughtful citizens. Under his direction, the UofM University Singers have been invited to perform for national conferences. His students lead prominent programs—as university Director of Choral Activities and symphony chorus directors. Upcoming engagements include All-State choirs in New Jersey, Arkansas, and Kentucky, presentations in Macau, and residencies in London and Portugal. Among these, conducting honor choirs remains his most cherished creative work.
An authority on vocal pedagogy, Dr. Cathlina's research focuses on choral tone and conducting gesture. He has presented over 77 sessions worldwide. He is published in international journals. Recent highlights include headlining the Alabama and Ohio choral conferences and co-leading 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.
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.
Beyond the podium, he is a UDRIPPIN-sponsored pickleball athlete/coach. He lives in Memphis, Tennessee, with his husband Kyle and their dog, Coco. www.franciscathlina.com
Abridged Biography
269 words
Francis Cathlina, D.M.A. (he/him) is a Vietnamese-American conductor and educator. He serves as the Director of Choral Activities at the University of Memphis, where he leads the Choral Area, the MM/DMA Choral Conducting program, and conducts the University Singers. His creative work was recognized with the 2025 Dean’s Award for Creative Achievement.
A Yamaha “40 Under 40” educator, Dr. Cathlina maintains an active international profile. In 2025, his work took him to Brazil and the Philippines. Upcoming engagements include All-State choirs in New Jersey, Arkansas, and Kentucky, and projects in Macau, London, and Portugal. Under his direction, the UofM University Singers have been invited to perform for national conferences. His students lead prominent programs—as university Director of Choral Activities and symphony chorus directors.
An authority on vocal pedagogy, Dr. Cathlina’s research focuses on choral tone and conducting gesture. He has presented over 77 sessions worldwide, co-led two Conducting Masterclasses in Greece, and headlined the Alabama and Ohio choral conferences. Among these, conducting honor choirs remains his most cherished creative work.
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.
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.
Beyond the podium, he is a UDRIPPIN-sponsored pickleball athlete/coach. He lives in Memphis, Tennessee, with his husband Kyle and their dog, Coco. www.franciscathlina.com
