Expertise:
Polytechnic Education, Higher Education, Hands-on Learning, Student Success, Faculty Recruitment, Faculty Retention, Music Education, Student Mentoring, Choral Music, Choral Conducting, Women Choral Composers, Women in MusicIris Levine’s career spans music education, academic leadership, artistic excellence and community engagement.
A member of the Cal Poly Pomona faculty for more than 30 years, she joined the faculty as a professor in the Music Department, where she served as chair for 15 years and was known for her mentoring. She then held several leadership roles including associate dean of Academic Personnel and Resources; dean of the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences; dean of the College of Education and Integrative Studies; interim provost; and special assistant to University President Soraya Coley. She became Interim President of Cal Poly Pomona in July 2025.
Levine is also the founder and artistic director of the renowned choral group VOX Femina Los Angeles, founded in 1997, which gives women voice through the performance of quality choral literature. VOX is dedicated to commissioning new works and raising awareness about issues affecting diverse women. Since their debut, VOX has commissioned over 50 new works for women’s voices and collaborated with over 35 contemporary composers. The chorus has performed more than 300 concerts throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada – including Carnegie Hall. In 2002, the group was the recipient of the OUTMusic Award for Best Recording for Simply… VOX Femina. Levine is a frequent guest conductor, choral adjudicator and clinician.
Recent Grants and Fellowships:
- Chorus America Margaret Hillis Award for Excellence – VOX Femina Los Angeles, 2024
- “Golden State International Choral Trophy” – For female choirs: Vox Femina Los Angeles, 2016
- “Shomer Tzedek – Guardian of Justice” – Awarded by Congregation Kol Ami for community work and advancement of women – 2014
- “Red Carpet” award – Awarded by Women in Theatre for work as Artistic Director for Vox Femina Los Angeles, 2011
- “John Swain Outstanding College/University Educator” – Awarded by California Music Educators Association
- Honoring excellence in Music Education, 2011
Selected Publications:
- Editor, “Iris S. Levine Treble Choral Series,” Pavane Publishing, on-going
- “Andrea Clearfield, Sharon Farber, Christina Whitten-Thomas” in Choral Repertoire by Women Composers (Alan Troy Davis, Hillary Apfelstadt, eds, GIA Publications, 2025)
- “Choral Reflections” in Choral Reflections: Insights from American Choral Conductor-Teachers,” 94-101 (B. Williams, ed., Hal Leonard Corporation, 2021)
- “Commissioning New Works for Women’s Voices,” Choral Journal (National Journal for the American Choral Directors Association), December 2014
- “Working With the Women’s Community Choir” in Conducting Women’s Choirs: Strategies for Success, 213-232 (D. Spurgeon, ed., GIA Publications, 2012)
- “Giving Women Voice,” Choral Journal, February 2011
- “Standards as well as Repertoire,” Tactus (Division Newsletter for the American Choral Directors Association), October 2009
- “Repertoire for Women’s Choirs,” Tactus (Division Newsletter for the American Choral Directors Association), October 2008, 2006 and 2005
- “Empowering Women in Your Choirs,” Tactus (Division Newsletter for the American Choral Directors Association), October 2007
- “Repertoire for Chanukah,” Cantate California, July, 1994
Interviews:
- “Dr. Iris S. Levine: A Life in Choral Leadership,” WeHoOnline.com, April 28, 2025
- “Classical Californian: Iris Levine,” KUSC Radio, Oct. 30, 2024
- “The story of VOX Femina, one of LA’s most regarded all women’s choir,” AirTalk with Larry Mantle, LAist.com/Southern California Public Radio 89.3FM, Oct. 29, 2024
- “After 32 Years of Service, Levine Leaves Campus on a High Note,” The Poly Post, April 26, 2022
- “Vox Femina Los Angeles Gets the Word Out with Suffrage Cantata,” Classical Voice, Oct. 23, 2020
Education:
B.M., Music Education, University of New Hampshire
M.M., Choral Conducting, Temple University
D.M.A. Choral Music, University of Southern California