La Nell Martin
Artistic Director, OYC
& Director of Youth Programs
La Nell Martin is a highly respected choral conductor and music educator with more than 25 years of experience shaping and inspiring young singers. She has served as Artistic Director of the Oakland Youth Chorus for more than two decades, directed school choirs throughout the Bay Area, and mentored future music educators through programs at St. Mary’s and San José State University. She now oversees youth programs for the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir family of ensembles.
Known for her deep expertise in vocal pedagogy, classroom management, and culturally rich repertoire, La Nell creates joyful, inspiring environments where children feel supported, challenged, and celebrated — earning the trust of parents, schools, and administrators alike. Her ensembles consistently achieve technical excellence while maintaining a sense of fun, community, and love for music.
“Ms. La Nell didn’t just teach me how to sing — she taught me how to believe in myself. Every rehearsal was full of laughter, challenge, and encouragement, and she always made each of us feel valued.”
La Nell Martin – Music Educator & Youth Choir Director
La Nell Martin is a nationally respected music educator, choral conductor, and mentor with more than 30 years of experience inspiring young singers and building thriving music programs. She has served as Artistic Director of Oakland Youth Chorus (OYC) for more than two decades, leads integrated multi-ensemble youth program for the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir (OIGC), has directed choirs and ensembles of all sizes across schools throughout the Bay Area, and mentors student teachers at San José State University, shaping the next generation of music educators. She is a highly sought adjudicator, educator, and clinician, as well as performing musician with deep roots in church music. Her professional credentials include a B.A. in Voice, an M.A. in Music Education, and a Level One Kodály Certification, reflecting her mastery of vocal technique, music literacy, and child-centered pedagogy.
La Nell is renowned for her unparalleled classroom management skills, her ability to connect with students of all ages, and her talent for creating joyful, disciplined, and inclusive learning environments. She inspires children to reach their full musical potential while instilling confidence, teamwork, and a love of singing. Generations of students return to sing with her — often bringing their own children — a testament to the enduring relationships and deep trust she builds. Parents and administrators alike rely on her to deliver programs that are both efficient and effective, combining rigorous musical instruction with thoughtful program management and seamless organization.
Her ensembles consistently achieve technical precision and expressive artistry, whether performing in local concerts, festivals, or collaborations with professional artists. La Nell balances technical mastery with a playful, approachable style: she is both serious and silly, exacting and fun, creating an environment where students are motivated, engaged, and joyful. Beyond music, she fosters community, inspires collaboration, and connects people through shared musical experiences, leaving a lasting impact on singers, families, and the broader Oakland arts community.
In short, La Nell Martin is more than a music educator; she is a mentor, conductor, community builder, and trusted guide whose expertise, energy, and warmth transform young lives and cultivate a lifelong love of music.