Layla dean

Layla Dean is an operatic mezzo-soprano from Sacramento, CA. They graduated SummaCum Laude from CSU Sacramento, where they received Bachelor of Music degrees in Vocal Performance and Music Education, as well as a minor in Art Education.

During their undergraduate education, Layla performed roles such as Maddalena in Rigoletto, Hansel in Hansel and Gretel, and La Ciesca in Gianni Schicchi with the Sacramento State Opera Theatre program. They made their professional opera debut in the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera’s May production of La Bohème.

An avid choral artist, Layla sang professionally with Camerata California for two seasons as a soloist and choral scholar. They also performed as a soloist and section leader at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, and All Saints Episcopal Church in Sacramento.

Additionally, Layla has performed concerts with the Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra throughout the yearsof 2018–2023. They also received the James Mazzaferro Music Director’s Award Scholarship in 2017.

Layla has experience as a musicianship and music theory tutor, choir director, and piano teacher. They are also trained in diction, vocal pedagogy, and song literature. As a voice instructor, Layla is enthusiastic about helping students gain confidence in their skills while having fun learning new vocaltechniques.

In their free time, Layla enjoys cooking, visiting art galleries, and taking care of a few too many houseplants. They are also an active ceramic artist; their art is currently on display at the Sacramento State School of Music.