Miriam Burton is a passionate music educator who has been teaching music for over 20 years and has extensive experience teaching ensembles of all ages and skill levels. She graduated summa cum laude with university honors from Brigham Young University (BYU) with a degree in Music Education with a choral emphasis, and she holds a professional music educator license in the state of Utah. In addition to directing the SCERA Chamber Singers, Miriam is currently the assistant director of Lux Women’s Chorus, music director for the drama program at American Preparatory Academy (APA) in Salem, and Administrative Assistant for the BYU School of Music. Miriam previously directed Timpanogos Singers and Timpanogos Youth Choir, and has taken choirs to perform at the Salt Lake Tabernacle, BYU Marriott Center, Thanksgiving Point, and most recently Carnegie Hall to perform with the BYU Hawaii Hoʻolōkahi Chamber Choir. Miriam taught choir and elementary music at APA for many years and was choir district lead for the American Preparatory Schools in Utah and Nevada. While a student at BYU, Miriam was the assistant director and accompanist of the BYU Welsh Choir and BYU Asian Choir and was the accompanist and rehearsal assistant for BYU University Chorale. Miriam is a passionate singer who has performed in many choirs, including Lux Women’s Chorus, the Grand Chorus of the Utah Valley Millennial Choirs and Orchestras, Utah Collegiate Singers, BYU Concert Choir, and BYU Women’s Chorus, where she served as the vice president. Miriam also loves to perform in operas and musicals. Some of her favorite performances include Mary Poppins, Miracle on 34th Street, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Dido and Aeneas, Rusalka, The Merry Widow, Don Giovanni, Carmen, Manon, and many more. She studied in BYU’s voice studio and attended Utah Vocal Arts Academy, where she performed in masterclasses for Wendy Bryn Harmer and Deborah Voigt. Piano has also been an important part of Miriam’s life, and she began teaching piano lessons when she was 12 years old, studied in BYU’s piano studio, and has accompanied many choirs and soloists. Miriam loves helping musicians of all ages and experience levels to grow, nurtures a positive and encouraging environment, and specializes in working with changing voices. She believes strongly in the ability of music to express feelings, connect with others, and heal the soul! In her spare time, Miriam loves dancing, snuggling with her cats, watching musicals, and traveling.