Carolyn Cruse

Dr. Carolyn Cruse brings a deep passion for fostering vocal development and musical artistry in singers of all ages, paired with extensive experience in collaborative and artistic leadership. This is her fourth season with the Children’s Chorus of San Antonio, following a 14-year tenure at Texas Tech University, where she served as Associate Director of Choral Activities and Associate Professor of Music Education.

An active clinician, conductor, performer, and festival adjudicator, Dr. Cruse has worked throughout the United States and internationally in Austria, Canada, the Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Italy, and Kenya. She is a Past President of the Texas Choral Directors Association (TCDA). As a performer, she is a founding member of mirabai, a nationally project-based professional women’s ensemble, and Alegría, a San Antonio–based professional women’s chorus, both dedicated to advancing excellence in women’s choral singing.

Before her university appointment, Dr. Cruse taught and conducted choirs at the middle and high school levels in Richardson and Plano ISDs. She holds a PhD in Music Education from Michigan State University, a master’s degree in choral conducting from Westminster Choir College of Rider University, and a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of North Texas. She is deeply committed to building meaningful relationships with choral educators across Texas and beyond.

Dr. Cruse is delighted to call San Antonio home with her husband, Rob, and their rescue dogs, Nola and Whiskey.