Julie Cross Director of Choral Activities, Assistant Professor
Vivian Bull Music Center (VBMC) 141
Overview
Julie Cross is a choral conductor, mezzo-soprano, and collaborative pianist whose work is grounded in curiosity, generosity, and a deep belief in music as a living, evolving art form. With a career spanning performance, conducting, teaching and leadership across genres and institutions, Cross regularly performs and offers presentations and masterclasses throughout the country. For over a decade, she has been part of the musical leadership at Lake Chelan Bach Festival serving as Choir Director and Alto Soloist.
Teaching and mentorship
Julie teaches with the conviction that every educator is a lifelong student. Her approach emphasizes strong foundations paired with adaptability, helping students understand not only how to do the work, but why it matters. She enjoys teaching students with varied musical interests from jazz to musical theatre to pop or rock, and tailors her teaching to each student’s goals and needs, encouraging curiosity, disciplined growth and healthy self-awareness. She is known for fostering inclusive, supportive musical environments where students are challenged to grow as musicians, leaders and collaborators while remaining grounded in the joy and relevance of making music together.
Education
- B.M. Oberlin College
- M.M. Manhattan School of Music
- D.M.A. University of Michigan
Areas of expertise
- Choral conducting and ensemble leadership
- Applied voice and vocal pedagogy
- Collaborative piano and coaching
- Music fundamentals and keyboard skills
- Sacred, choral, and interdisciplinary repertoire
- Inclusive and student-centered music education
Notable projects and professional highlights
- Choir Director & Alto Soloist, Lake Chelan Bach Festival
- Former tenured Associate Professor, University of Wisconsin system
- Performances at Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Chautauqua Institution, and Festival of Women Composers International
- Reviewer, International Alliance for Women in Music
- Recording artist: Albany Records and Audio for the Arts / Beatriz Records
Why Linfield Music
Julie values Linfield’s small, flexible and deeply supportive environment, where students are met where they are and encouraged to explore wide-ranging interests. Linfield makes it possible for students to engage fully across disciplines, combining choir, composition, musical theatre, dance and performance with close faculty mentorship. She is especially proud of the department’s commitment to inclusion, collaboration and creating meaningful opportunities for majors, minors and non-majors alike.
Who thrives here
Students who are curious, compassionate and motivated to grow tend to thrive in Julie’s classes and ensembles. They don’t need to arrive fully formed, but they do need a desire to learn, collaborate and support one another. The department’s culture rewards openness, curiosity and a willingness to stretch beyond comfort zones.
Beyond the studio
Julie remains active as a performer, conductor and church musician, and is deeply engaged in repertoire by women composers and interdisciplinary collaboration. She is passionate about helping students understand music as both a craft and a human practice that builds discipline, vulnerability, resilience and connection.