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.
Morganne McClement
Morganne McClement is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Music and Music Education from Teachers College. She is a recent graduate of the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, where she received a B.M. in Music Education with concentrations in choral education and vocal performance. While in Potsdam, she took on roles as a singer, soloist, and student conductor with the Crane Concert Choir, and toured NYC with both the Crane Chorus and Concert Choir. She especially loves to sing classically-based art song and musical theater repertoire, having performed in productions such as: The Secret Garden, Next to Normal, West Side Story, The Tenderland, and Annie. As an educator, Morganne has a special interest in culturally relevant pedagogy, strengthening students’ musical understandings and enjoyment through a multicultural perspective.
Lizhu Lu
Lizhu Lu is a pianist and a soprano, and she loves to play the harp in her spare time. Lizhu is currently pursuing her Master's degree at Teachers College's Music Education program, and she holds a Bachelor degree in Music Education from the Eastman School of Music where she studied classical piano primarily. Lizhu discovered her passion for singing during her undergraduate study, and she has been studying with Kathleen Ciesinski since. Lizhu is excited to explore more musical styles and genres at TC. As an educator, Lizhu teaches piano lessons and voice lessons. She is a graduate assistant at both EVC's kids' choir and youth's choir. She taught in the Early Childhood Music Program at the Eastman Community School, and she also taught Chinese at Carousel of Languages in New York City.
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.
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
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, 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, 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, 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, freelances as a singer and actor, and actively composes. Brent hopes to continue championing his creative voice and inspiring others to realize their potential.
Michelle Mantia, Business Manager
Michelle Mantia, EVC Business Manager, earned her B.A. in Actuarial Science from Baruch College and has over 5 years experience working with both corporate and arts non-profit organizations. Having studied saxophone for many years and coming from a music background, Michelle enjoys sharing her time spent working with both growing arts organizations and innovative biotechnologies. She is currently the Operations Manager of two specialty biopharmaceutical companies located in New York and also serves on the MICHIYAYA Dance Company’s Board of Directors. Ms. Mantia also teaches yoga classes with a focus on increasing the accessibility of yoga to everyone.