Diya Ghayal

Teaches: Voice, Piano

Diya Ghayal has been immersed and passionate about all types of music from a young age. She started with piano lessons at the age of 4, and thereafter, quickly discovered her love for singing. Diya attended Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas, TX. She worked with and learned from world-renowned musicians, and was given access to incredible musical opportunities, from classical masterclasses and recitals, to singing in the All-State choir.

Diya pursued her Bachelors of Music Education (with a Choral Concentration) at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. There, she was given the opportunity to be teaching assistant for the “University Chorus” and section-leader for several ensembles. Diya was also music director for the premiere South Asian co-ed a cappella group: “Illini Awaaz”. She worked to integrate various South Asian cultures and musical styles with Western genres through her arrangements and teaching; she has received several awards for her arrangements, and has helped her team compete and place at the national level. Throughout her college years, Diya was also a
mentee in the Uniting Voices Chicago “Future Music Educators” program. Currently, Diya is a full-time conductor with Uniting Voices Chicago, leading the Austin Neighborhood Choir, Prelude (an introductory music course for young children), and various schools in the Chicago area.

Diya is passionate about returning the same quality of music education that she received, to her own students. She strives to create an enjoyable and engaging learning environment, all while focusing on enhancing student appreciation and understanding of music.