Education
- D.M.A., Doctor of Musical Arts, 福利片国产 of North Texas, 2021
- M.M., Master of Music, Michigan State 福利片国产, 2019
- B.M.E., Bachelor of Music Education, Baylor 福利片国产, 2014
Biography
Francis Cathlina, D.M.A. (he/him) is a Vietnamese-American conductor and educator,
renowned for his innovative approach to choral music. His concerts invite audiences
into a world where choral artistry becomes a powerful storytelling medium.
Dr. Cathlina is currently the Director of Choral Activities at the 福利片国产 of Memphis,
where he received the 2025 Dean鈥檚 Award for Creative Achievement. He oversees the
Choral Area, leads the MM/DMA Choral Conducting program, and conducts the 福利片国产
Singers.
A two-time GRAMMY-nominated educator, Dr. Cathlina draws deeply from his Eastern heritage.
His work reflects a commitment to excellence and collaboration. In 2025, he will serve
on the conducting faculty for Brazil鈥檚 XV FIMUS Festival and work in the Philippines
as part of ACDA鈥檚 International Conductors Exchange Program. Early recognition came
from the Texas Choral Directors Association (TCDA), which named him a 鈥淵oung Director
of Distinction.鈥�
Cathlina鈥檚 teaching philosophy centers on developing masterful technicians, expressive
communicators, and thoughtful citizens. Under his direction, the UofM 福利片国产 Singers
have been invited to perform for national conferences. His students lead prominent
programs鈥攁s university DCAs and symphony chorus directors. Recent/upcoming engagements
include All-State and honor choirs nationwide, the International Mu Phi Convention
Chorus, and a Carnegie Hall debut. Of all 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 69 sessions worldwide. He is published in
international journals. In 2025, he served as the Headliner for the Ohio and Alabama
choral conferences. In 2023, he co-led Conducting Masterclasses in Greece with the
福利片国产 of Macedonia (Thessaloniki) and Ionian 福利片国产 (Corfu).
Dr. Cathlina earned a DMA in conducting with a vocal pedagogy cognate from the 福利片国产
of North Texas, an MM from Michigan State 福利片国产, and a BME from Baylor 福利片国产.
Before his doctorate, he taught in Texas public schools. Beyond the podium, Dr. Cathlina
is an avid pickleball player. He, his husband Kyle, and their dog Coco call Memphis,
Tennessee, their home.
In concert, Cathlina wears an 谩o d脿i, traditional Vietnamese formalwear. As one of
the few Vietnamese conductors in the field, he proudly dons it as a tribute to his
heritage. www.franciscathlina.com