The Master's University Music

Matthew Krell | Class of 2019
Matthew did a little bit of everything during his time in the School of Music, graduating with a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, Pedagogy, Sacred Music and Music Composition before moving on to further his education at USC.

Matthew is now an award-winning pianist, composer, educator, and accomplished actor. He has been recognized internationally in competitions, festivals, and masterclasses, and been praised by world-renowned leaders in the disciplines of acting, piano, and composition. He placed first in the California MTNA Young Artists' Competition, won first place from the PianoHouse International Competition in the Jazz Category resulting in a performance at Carnegie Hall, achieved second place at the Brevard Music Institute’s Piano Competition, and third place in the Los Angeles International Liszt Competition Concerto Division, and won first place in composition from the World Piano Teacher’s Association Spain Competition.

Dr. Krell maintains a busy schedule as a music teacher, church musician, composer, concert artist. Additionally, he now serves as adjunct faculty at his alma mater teaching piano.

We don't want you to miss the incredible opportunity to watch Chorale live as they premier Heather Sorenson's "Jubilaeum: A Christmas Oratorio" on December 1st of this year! Mark your calendars now and keep an eye out for when Carnegie's tickets go live online: we'll be sure to share the link!

Have you thought about joining The Master's Chorale as they premiere Heather Sorenson's Chrsitmas Oratorio in November 2026 and tour through Romania in May, 2027?

New students, mark your calendar for Chorale auditions during WOW week on Friday, August 28th!

Returning students, get ready for Tuesday, September 1st and Thursday, September 3rd!

This will be a year to remember!

Planning is already in the works for 2026-2027 events here in the School of Music, including the annual High School Choral Invitational. Our adjudicators this past semester included none other than our namesake, Dr. Paul T. Plew, with Dr. Marius Bahnean as clinician.

Meet Our Alumni | Sarah Dixon, Class of 2005

Sarah (Mills) Dixon graduated from TMU with Bachelor of Music Degrees in Vocal Performance and Music Education. She sang in The Master's Chorale, Majesty, and TMU Opera, and served as secretary and “PR Manager” for the traveling groups during her time as a student. Sarah went on to complete a masters degree in voice at Cal State University Northridge, and is entering her 20th year on staff in the School of Music at TMU! As the current Director of Vocal Studies, Prof. Dixon teaches voice lessons, voice-related courses, aural skills, and recital and practicum courses. She has sung around the globe in choirs and as a featured soloist, and has a love of musical theater. Her favorite roles have been Marian in "The Music Man", Mabel in "Pirates of Penzance" and Wendy in "Peter Pan". Sarah has led vocal workshops and masterclasses in the greater Los Angeles area, and directs “Songs of Summer”, a music camp help on campus at TMU designed for young singers. Sarah sings with the Grace Baptist Church choir, the Old Time Carolers, and in studio recordings whenever she can. She met her husband, Matt, through The Master’s Chorale, and they give leadership to the recently formed “Paul T. Plew Singers”, a choir of local Chorale alumni that performs annual concerts on campus. Matt and Sarah have two wonderful boys, Isaiah and Zachary, and enjoy being surrounded by family and friends in Santa Clarita, CA!

It was a small graduating class for the School of Music this year, but we are still going to deeply feel the loss of our nine seniors (including the two not pictured who also majored in other studies). We are praying for you as you step forward into what the Lord has next for you!

Every spring, the Paul T. Plew School of Music honors one outstanding senior for
excellence, integrity, and faithfulness. Congratulations to Grace Covarrubias, our 2026 Music Major of the Year!

Congratulations again to our winners of the Aria/Concerto Competition! We are proud of you and it was a joy to hear you perform.

Did you miss this concert on 4/25? Keep an eye out on YouTube for a full video of the performance!