Dr. Paul Piersall

Dr. Paul Piersall, Chair Voice WPAC 128 325.674.2192 piersallp@acu.edu

Dr. Paul Piersall, Professor of Music, received his BA and MA degrees from Central Washington University and the doctor of musical arts degree in vocal performance from the University of Oregon in 1971 at the age of 28. He began his career as a director of college choral ensembles in 1965 at Columbia Christian College in Portland Oregon, and returned after completing his doctoral studies as director of choral activities at Pepperdine University. He is currently department chair and professor of voice at Abilene Christian University. He served as director of choral activities for 10 years, and during that time he conducted the A Cappella Chorus, the Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and the University Chorale.

For over 40 years Dr. Piersall has been involved as a singer or conductor in university and professional choral ensembles which include the Portland Symphonic Choir, Orange County Master Chorale, Pacific Chorale, Hollywood Master Chorale, William Hall Chorale and Orchestra, and the Choral Society of Southern California. He has performed with the Nuremberg, Germany Philharmonic, Dallas Symphony, Pacific Symphony, Burbank Symphony, Abilene Philharmonic, as well as numerous opera companies which include Long Beach Opera, Los Angeles Opera Theater, Inland Empire Opera, and Abilene Opera Association. Piersall currently directs the Classical Chorus of Abilene, Abilene’s community chorus.

Piersall has been active in his professional affiliations having held state and regional offices in the American Choral Directors Association, National Association of Teachers of Singing, and the Texas Association of Music Schools. Piersall recently served the three-state region of Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico as the Governor of the Texoma Region of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and is currently Immediate Past Governor. He recently completed a two-year term as President of the Texas Association of Music Schools. Piersall has served on several national committees for the National Association of Teachers of Singing.