EVC Leadership
Artistic Director & Executive Director
Nicole Becker
As a pianist, soprano, and conductor, Nicole Becker has performed in concerts and recitals throughout the United States, Canada, and Japan. Dr. Becker received an undergraduate degree in Biology from Yale University, a Masters of Music in Piano from Indiana University and a Doctorate of Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She also studied piano and solfege at the École Normale de Musique de Paris. Dr. Becker is the Music Director of the Teachers College Choir and teaches applied piano and conducting in the Program in Music and Music Education at Teachers College. Dr. Becker has spoken internationally about student-centered approaches in ensemble settings, calling for a reconceptualization of children’s choirs so that they might become sites dedicated to promoting growth and flourishing for young people. Her current research examines approaches to developing racial literacy in music education.
Associate Directors / Graduate Interns
Natalie Fabian
Natalie Fabian is a music educator, soprano, pianist, and composer/arranger across varied musical styles. Natalie received her undergraduate degree in Music Education from Hofstra University, where she was the winner of the Herbert A. Deutsch Award for Excellence in Music Education. She also holds a Masters of Arts in Music & Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. To culminate her time at Columbia, she performed as a musical soloist for the Teachers College Virtual Convocation, among special guests Nikole Hannah-Jones and Hillary Rodham Clinton. Natalie has performed as a musical theatre/cabaret, jazz, and singer-songwriter soloist on the New York stages of Birdland, The Metropolitan Room, and Rockwood Music Hall. Her choral arrangements and original compositions were featured at Merkin Hall at Kaufman Music Center, Broadway Presbyterian Church, the Miller Theatre at Columbia University, and Milbank Chapel at Columbia University. Currently, Natalie is an Adjunct Instructor at Hofstra University, directing the Vocal Jazz 20 Choir. In addition, she holds a studio in private voice, piano, and composition study for students of all ages.
Anna Freedman
Anna Freedman is a pianist, vocalist, composer and educator. Trained as a classical pianist, Anna is also a passionate singer-songwriter. She released her first record Big Plans in 2017 and is a winner of the Berklee College of Music International Songwriting Competition. Anna’s interests in music education include student-centered approaches in choral settings as well as the use of technology to teach songwriting and music production. Anna holds an M.A. in Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University and is currently on faculty at Trinity School and the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music.
Jameelah Taylor
Jameelah Taylor is a Choral Director & Vocalist based in New York City. She holds a Master of Arts in Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University as well as a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Vocal Performance from The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. She has performed in venues across New York City which include The Stone, Joe's Pub, Carnegie Hall, Webster Hall and the historic Kings Theatre for New York Fashion Week.
Jameelah is a passionate educator leading her choirs and vocal students in various festivals, performances and workshops such as the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Festival, Disney Performing Arts OnStage and the Broadway Classroom Workshop and, serving as Musical Director for her school's Musical Productions. Jameelah is now the Choral Director at the Trevor Day School on the Upper East Side and is the NY-ACDA Repertoire and Resources Co-Chair for Jazz/Show/A Cappella.
Jameelah is a passionate educator leading her choirs and vocal students in various festivals, performances and workshops such as the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Festival, Disney Performing Arts OnStage and the Broadway Classroom Workshop and, serving as Musical Director for her school's Musical Productions. Jameelah is now the Choral Director at the Trevor Day School on the Upper East Side and is the NY-ACDA Repertoire and Resources Co-Chair for Jazz/Show/A Cappella.
Alison Levosky
Alison Levosky is the current MS/US Choral Teacher and Program Director at Riverdale Country School. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Music and Psychology from Yale University, as well as a Master of Arts in Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Alison also holds initial teaching certification for K-12 music in New York State. She currently teaches ensemble choral classes, as well as private voice and piano lessons. Alison sings with the New York Chamber Choir, and the worship team at Renaissance Church NYC. A singer, multi-instrumentalist, conductor, and composer, Alison sees music as a vehicle for cultivating joy, community, and belonging.
Mavel Morales
Mavel Morales (she/her/hers) is a passionate advocate for the arts and a music educator. She was born and raised in Miami and is a proud member of the Latinx community. She graduated from the University of Miami with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education with minors in Education and Philosophy. Her extensive work with NAfME (National Association for Music Education) has allowed her to advocate for music at the state and federal level. Through her unique experiences, she spearheaded a national award-winning social media campaign with the hashtag #IStandForMusicEducation. Currently, she is studying at Teachers College, Columbia University working towards receiving her Master of Education in Music and Music Education. Mavel loves working with students of all ages and has worked with individuals ranging from age 4 to 70! As a classically trained mezzo-soprano, she loves performing both solo and choral works and is always engaging with new opportunities to continue participating in music making with her community.
Carmen Keels
Carmen Keels is a part of the music faculty at The Horace Mann School teaching in the middle division as a choral instructor, music director for the middle division musical, and sixth grade advisor. She also serves as the vocal coach for the auditioned choirs 6-12th grade. Carmen is a member of the Academy For Teachers in New York City as well as ACDA and NAfME and holds a Master’s of Arts Degree from Columbia Teachers College in Music and Music Education. In addition to being an educator, Carmen is a performer and a member of Actors Equity since 2005. She has appeared on Broadway in In My Life and has toured internationally as Clara and the funeral soloist in Porgy and Bess. Carmen has performed in Arizona, Florida, Ohio and up and down the East Coast in various regional theatres.
Accompanist
Drew X Coles
Drew X Coles is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, producer, and educator, as well as an applied lessons instructor, ensemble facilitator, and adjunct professor of music entrepreneurship at Teachers College, Columbia University. His scholarly interests include; the construct of success as it applies to post-secondary music students, culturally responsive pedagogy in the music classroom, the use of technology in the applied studio, Jazz pedagogy, improvisation pedagogy, comprehensive musicianship coursework and curricula, and quantitative research methods in music education. Drew earned his Doctorate in Music Education at Teachers College, Columbia University after defending his dissertation on the perceptions among musicians on the construct of career success as it applies to them as well as their peers.
Administration
Kel Cadence Mellone, Director of Administration
Kel Cadence Mellone is a vocalist, music educator & songwriter currently based in Nashville, TN. Kel's academic background includes graduating Magna Cum Laude from Boston University with a BM in Music Education and a minor in Arts Leadership, studying vocal performance at the Royal College of Music and holding a Master's in Music & Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She firmly believes that everyone is capable of benefiting from music which is why she is incredibly passionate about her arts administration work for EVC, performing as a member of the Nashville Symphony Chorus and participating in various freelance projects around the world as a singer and actress.
Brent Morden, Program Manager
Brent A. Morden is a New York-based composer, music director, vocalist, and educator.
Brent earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music (magna cum laude) from Columbia University, where he actively served Columbia’s performing arts community. Brent has conducted his award-winning band works with the Columbia University Wind Ensemble, including a world premiere at Carnegie Hall, has composed and music directed multiple original musicals including Infernal, and has assisted acclaimed music director Rob Fisher. Nowadays, Brent is thrilled to serve as Program Manager for Every Voice Choirs. In addition to his work with EVC, Brent teaches voice and musical theatre at From Stage to Screen, directs the Hofstra Vocal Jazz Ensemble, freelances as a singer and actor, and actively composes. Brent hopes to continue championing his creative voice and inspiring others to realize their potential.
Brent earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music (magna cum laude) from Columbia University, where he actively served Columbia’s performing arts community. Brent has conducted his award-winning band works with the Columbia University Wind Ensemble, including a world premiere at Carnegie Hall, has composed and music directed multiple original musicals including Infernal, and has assisted acclaimed music director Rob Fisher. Nowadays, Brent is thrilled to serve as Program Manager for Every Voice Choirs. In addition to his work with EVC, Brent teaches voice and musical theatre at From Stage to Screen, directs the Hofstra Vocal Jazz Ensemble, freelances as a singer and actor, and actively composes. Brent hopes to continue championing his creative voice and inspiring others to realize their potential.