Francis Cathlina
Director of Choral Activities
Education
- D.M.A., Doctor of Musical Arts, University of North Texas, 2021
- M.M., Master of Music, Michigan State University, 2019
- B.M.E., Bachelor of Music Education, Baylor University, 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 University of Memphis,
where he received the 2025 Dean’s Award for Creative Achievement. He oversees the
Choral Area, leads the MM/DMA Choral Conducting program, and conducts the University
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’s XV FIMUS Festival and work in the Philippines
as part of ACDA’s International Conductors Exchange Program. Early recognition came
from the Texas Choral Directors Association (TCDA), which named him a “Young Director
of Distinction.”
Cathlina’s teaching philosophy centers on developing masterful technicians, expressive
communicators, and thoughtful citizens. Under his direction, the UofM University Singers
have been invited to perform for national conferences. His students lead prominent
programs—as 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
University of Macedonia (Thessaloniki) and Ionian University (Corfu).
Dr. Cathlina earned a DMA in conducting with a vocal pedagogy cognate from the University
of North Texas, an MM from Michigan State University, and a BME from Baylor University.
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 áo dài, 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