Erin Guinup

Based in Tacoma, Erin Guinup is a conductor, composer, and arts consultant whose work bridges cultures and builds communities through music. As Director of Puget Sound Singers at the University of Puget Sound, Erin combines strong vocal pedagogy with intentional partnerships and dialogue that explores what it means to be human. As founding Executive & Artistic Director of the Tacoma Refugee Choir, she led singers from 75 countries in performances for over 50,000 people. She has conducted church choirs and orchestras for 25 years, including Handel’s Messiah and the Northwest premiere of Rob Gardner’s Lamb of God. As an educator, Erin has guided voice students to Broadway and operatic stages and helped thousands of singers find confidence in their voice. Erin’s compositions have been performed at the ACDA National Conference, by the US Air Force Band, on PBS, and at TEDxSeattle. As a performer, Erin has sung in over twenty languages across three continents, appeared as soprano soloist with Symphony Tacoma and other ensembles, and starred in productions from Mary Poppins to her internationally touring one-woman show celebrating female musical theatre composers. As lead consultant with Arts Resonance, she helps arts organizations create bold strategies and sustainable impact by connecting artistic work to community needs. Her accolades include Chorus America’s Louis Botto Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the American Academy of Teachers of Singing Award for Inclusion and Inspiration, and 253 Lifestyle Magazine’s Person of the Year. She holds an MBA in Arts Innovation and bachelor’s degrees in vocal performance and music education from the University of Puget Sound.