Lydia A. Saxton trained at the Juilliard School and the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where she studied vocal performance, piano, and choral conducting. After receiving her Bachelor of Music in Music Education, she continued her studies at Wesleyan University, receiving a Master of Arts in Ethnomusicology and a Master of Fine Arts in Performing Arts Management from City University of New York at Brooklyn College.

Ms. Saxton began her professional career in New York, performing both on and off Broadway, in numerous regional theater productions, and as director for several adult and children’s choirs. She later moved to Los Angeles where she earned a California Teaching Credential and served for thirty-two years as a music educator and instructional advisor for the Los Angeles Unified School District. She served for five years as the Executive and Artistic Director of the renowned Innovation Show Choir, the largest community youth performing ensemble in Southern California.

Ms. Saxton has performed with and has served as Music Director for numerous local musical theater groups including DEE Studios, the Canyon Theatre Guild, and the Santa Clarita Regional Theatre. She is a member of the CCDA (California Choral Directors Association), the MTAC (Music Teachers’ Association of California), and the NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing.