Artists in Residence
Learn From the Best
Our Artist in Residence program offers Conservatory of Music students a unique opportunity to learn from artists who are at the top of their field. These artists may teach a course, lead a masterclass or perform a recital of their own.
Matt Redman
Worship artist Matt Redman serves as Songwriter in Residence at Biola University's Conservatory of Music, where students have the opportunity to learn directly from the influential, double-Grammy winning worship leader throughout the year. In his role, he guest lectures in Worship Arts courses, among other education and music arts opportunities.
Redman’s journey as a worship leader and songwriter has taken him to countries such as South Africa, Japan, India, Australia and the Czech Republic. Along the way he has sung in venues such as Madison Square Garden, Wembley Stadium and the Royal Albert Hall — as well as recording in iconic studios such as Abbey Road in London and Capitol Records in Los Angeles. His best known songs include "The Heart of Worship," "Blessed Be Your Name," "Our God" and the double-Grammy winning "10,000 Reasons." More recent co-writes include "Do It Again" and "Build my Life."
Katie Van Kooten
American soprano Katie Van Kooten’s operatic and concert appearances continue to thrill audiences and garner praise for her “powerful, gleaming soprano.” Of her role debut as Tatyana in Tchaikovsky’s Yevgeny Onegin, the Houston Chronicle wrote, “Her singing is extraordinary in its radiance, power and sheer expressiveness. Her ‘Letter Scene’ alone, would be reason enough to attend.”
In the 2022–23 season, Katie Van Kooten debuts at both Utah Opera and Opera Theatre of Saint Louis in the title role of Tosca. Katie will debut with Seattle Opera as Freia in Das Rheingold. Her concert engagements include performances of Vaughan William’s A Sea Symphony with the St. Louis Symphony under the baton of Stéphane Denève.
In past seasons, she performed Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 at the Bellingham Music Festival. She also returned to Houston Grand Opera as Mother Abbess in a concert performance of The Sound of Music. Ms. Van Kooten returned to the Metropolitan Opera as the Marschallin in Der Rosenkavalier under the baton of Sir Simon.
Other highlights of recent seasons have included performances as Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni at Dallas Opera, the Countess in Le nozze di Figaro in her house debut at Arizona Opera, and Liù in Turandot at Opera New Orleans. In concert, she has performed Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with the San Francisco Symphony led by Michael Tilson Thomas and Verdi’s Messa da Requiem with the Phoenix Symphony led by Tito Muñoz.
Career highlights include her house debut at the Metropolitan Opera as Magda in La Rondine; Tatyana in Eugene Onegin, Elisabetta in Maria Stuarda, and Mimì in La bohème at Houston Grand Opera; Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni at Dallas Opera; Elettra in Idomeneo and Vitellia in La Clemenza di Tito at Oper Frankfurt; and Mimì and the Countess at Lyric Opera of Kansas City.
A graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, Ms. Van Kooten studied voice with Rudolf Piernay. She received her Bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from Biola University where she studied with Dr. Jeanne Robison and is a graduate and perpetual member of the Torrey Honors Institute.
Tommy Walker
Tommy Walker is a worship leader, singer/songwriter, speaker, author and has served at his home church, Christian Assembly in Los Angeles, CA, for over 25 years.
Tommy has written over 200 songs that are currently tracked by C.C.L.I. and are sung in churches around the world. His most popular songs include: He Knows My Name, That's Why We Praise Him, Only A God Like You, Mourning Into Dancing, I Have A Hope and We Will Remember. Tommy has recorded worship music albums and singles for, Maranatha! Music, Integrity Music, Brentwood and LifeWay Worship.
On about any given Sunday around the world you are likely to hear the choir and congregation singing one of Tommy’s songs.
Tommy Walker's songs have been recorded by such artists as - Israel Houghton, Paul Baloche, Ron Kenolly, Don Moen, Crystal Lewis, Alvin Slaughter and countless others.
He has had the privilege of leading worship with such Christian leaders as: Franklin Graham, Rick Warren, Jack Hayford, Fred Luter, Joni Eareckson Tada and Greg Laurie. Tommy has held worship concerts and mercy ministry outreaches in more than 20 nations.
Tommy graduated from Christ For The Nations Bible Institute with an associates degree in practical theology, a degree in jazz-fusion guitar from Musicians Institute, received an honorary doctorate of Divinity from Life Pacific College in 2013 and an honorary doctorate in music arts from Shepherd University. He was nominated for a Dove award for his album, “Great And Marvelous - Celebrating the songs of Tommy Walker vol. 2.”
Tommy and his wife Robin live in the Los Angeles, CA and have four children. To be found faithful to His God, his family and the local church will always be his greatest achievements!