Dr. Johanna Gamboa-Kroesen

Dr. Johanna Gamboa-Kroesen is a GRAMMY-nominated music educator, conductor, and Assistant Professor of Music Education at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, where she teaches courses in music education, string pedagogy, and conducting, and supervises student teaching. A Fulbright Scholar, she holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of California, Los Angeles, a Master of Music Education from The Hartt School of Music, and dual Bachelor of Music degrees in Music Education and Violin Performance from Chapman University. 

As Music Director of Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings, one of Southern California’s premier youth orchestras, Dr. Gamboa-Kroesen is recognized for her artistry, inclusivity, and commitment to educational excellence. Her work as a conductor and educator reflects a deep belief in the power of ensemble learning to cultivate connection, belonging, and musical growth. She frequently conducts school, youth, and regional honor orchestras and is sought after for workshops and clinics by community music organizations and school districts across the country. 

Dr. Gamboa-Kroesen’s research and publications, featured in Research Studies in Music Education and Teaching Music, explore inclusive teaching practices, string pedagogy, school belonging, and culturally responsive music education. She regularly presents at national and international conferences, including the International Society for Music Education (ISME), Society for Music Teacher Education (SMTE), College Music Society (CMS), National Association for Music Education (NAfME), American String Teachers Association (ASTA), and California All-State Music Education Conference (CASMEC). Within ASTA, she serves as Chair of the College Committee, where she champions initiatives that strengthen collegiate engagement, professional sustainability, and inclusive access across the string teaching community. 

Dr. Gamboa-Kroesen has received multiple research, service, and teaching awards and collaborates extensively with school districts as a curriculum and instructional consultant. Prior to her appointment at UCLA, she taught orchestra in public schools for sixteen years, where her innovative and student-centered approaches to teaching continue to influence her university and community work today. 

Guided by a vision of inclusive excellence, Dr. Gamboa-Kroesen continues to lead initiatives that reimagine how music education can connect people, cultures, and communities through shared creative practice.