Eliza Rubenstein
Director of Choral and Vocal Activities
Orange Coast College
Costa Mesa, CA USA
“Relax. It’s going to be okay. You’re going to come out of this okay with a job that you like and a life that you’re happy with.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationEliza Rubenstein
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
When I was three or four years old, I told my family I wanted to take violin lessons so I could play on the street corner for money.
I realized in high school that I wanted to go to college because I knew I’d need a degree to do the sort of work I wanted to.
For ten years, I worked full time as an animal shelter supervisor and conducted choirs as well.
After spending a decade working around 75 hours a week doing both, I decided to just pursue my musical career.
I’ve found ways to pursue my other interests like writing, helping animals, and whatnot in a more time effective way on the side.
I’ve been lucky to have turned my hobby into my career.
I am now Director of Choral and Vocal Activities at Orange Coast College and the Artistic Director of the Orange County Women's Chorus and the Long Beach Chorale and Chamber Orchestra.
Education
High School
Career
Director of Choral and Vocal Activities
I am a music teacher and choral director.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Music
Education
Teaching / Mentoring
Day to Day
At Orange Coast College, I have two choirs, so I conduct rehearsals several days a week. I also teach music appreciation classes to general ed students. I spend a lot of time taking one-on-one with students talking about transferring and career plans.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
Ask yourself if you feel passionate about sharing things you learn with others. If the answer is "yes", then being a teacher is probably a great choice for you!
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"Classical music is just for rich white people. "
Challenges I Overcame
School Stress
Financial
