Lara M. Moline is a graduate of the University of Wyoming. She received her Bachelor degree of Music Education, with a Vocal Emphasis in 2007. She continued her studies with the late Dr. Stephen Zegree at Western Michigan University, obtaining a Master degree of Vocal Performance, Jazz Studies in 2009. Dr. Moline graduated with a Doctor of Arts degree from the University of Northern Colorado, in Choral Conducting, with an emphasis in Vocal Jazz and Music History. Her dissertation, Vocal Jazz in the Choral Classroom: A Pedagogical Study, discusses the need for the vocal jazz style within the choral classroom, introduces transitional elements that are accessible to choral directors of any level, and involves an observational curriculum study. Dr. Moline has since presented her dissertation research at the Jazz Educators Network Conference (2021), Wyoming Music Educators All State conventions (2021), Minnesota Music Educators Conference (2022), and Minnesota American Choral Directors Association Fall Conference (2022).
Dr. Moline has performed in Downbeat Award-winning ensembles such as Western Michigan University's Gold Company and University of Northern Colorado's Northern Colorado Voices and Vocal Lab. She has also performed with artists such as Bobby McFerrin, Dontae Winslow, Roomful of Teeth, Darmon Meader, Gary Burton, the Chicago Pops Orchestra, and with Charice Pempengco on the Oprah Winfrey Show.
Dr. Moline is a sought-after guest adjudicator, clinician, and conductor. She has worked primarily in Wyoming serving as the guest conductor of the Wyoming Southwest High School Honor Choir in 2016, guest choral conductor of the Yellowstone Summer Music Camp in 2018, and guest conductor for the Big Horn Basin District Honor Choir in November 2019. As an adjudicator and clinician, she has worked with students from middle school to college levels in solo voice, small voice ensembles, and large vocal ensembles in both traditional and vocal jazz idioms since 2014.
As the Assistant Professor of Voice and Choral Music Education, Dr. Moline conducts all choral ensembles, teaches contemporary and classical voice lessons, and instructs music education courses. Dr. Moline regularly performs as a solo artist (jazz and popular styles) around the Central MN area and with groups Jazz Authority, Jazz Sophisticate, and Radio Nation.