Roland Perold Roland joins UCI in Fall 2024 as a first-year MFA Music Direction candidate. Roland moved to the US (from South Africa) specifically to further his studies in Music Direction. Back home, Roland has been working in the performing arts sector in various capacities and is thrilled for this opportunity to be in Irvine to develop his skills here at UCI.
	Sain Leyva Sain is a third-year music directing candidate from Puebla, Mexico. His passion for musical theatre emerged while playing the clarinet and conducting for the university’s shows. With a strong background in orchestral conducting, Sain is especially passionate about musicals featuring large and colorful orchestrations. He is currently working on his thesis show: 9 To 5, premiering this fall at UCI's Barclay Theatre.

What Our Alumni Say About Us

Leslie Wickham - Associate Music Director, Aladdin Nat’l Tour

"The resources at UCI offer ample opportunity to experiment and experience everything a theater music director exemplifies at the highest level. In my time I was able to direct, compose, arrange, work in a sound studio, and much more. A small studio allows for individual attention, while still allowing ample exploration".

Luke Shepherd - Lecturer, University of California-Santa Cruz

"I was grateful to work with industry professionals who challenged me and stretched me. I gained new skills in music and sound production technology that have been invaluable to me in my work as a professional music director. I built lasting relationships with teachers and colleagues who have made me a more skilled music director, a more generous collaborator, and a better person”.