Gracelyn Hedrick

Gracelyn is a jazz vocalist and composer originally from the small town of Atascadero in San Luis Obispo County, California. There, she attended Cuesta College for 3 years, during which she sang in the internationally acclaimed vocal jazz ensemble “Voce” and classical “Chamber Choir” where she had the honor of being the choir president. Gracelyn also played lead trombone in the college's big band and bass trombone in the jazz orchestra. She had the privilege of being featured on two of the departments' CDs, touring Europe with the choirs, guests conducting numerous groups, headlining jazz festivals with Voce, and helping run Cuesta’s own vocal and big band jazz festivals. She studied classical voice privately with Dr. Jumi Kim for the 3 years while she attended Cuesta. A few honorable mentions that Gracelyn received include “Reno Jazz Festival Outstanding Soloist”, “San Luis Obispo Jazz Federation Scholarship Recipient College Division” and “The First Annual William and Clytis Pitzer Trust Music Scholarship”. Gracelyn received two A.A.’s in Jazz Studies and in Music Performance upon graduation.

In the spring of 2019 Gracelyn graduated with honors from California State University Long Beach's Bob Cole Conservatory of Music, where she was a Jazz Studies Major in Voice. There, she studied privately with world-class educator Christine Guter and with vocalist and pianist Matt Falker. Gracelyn sang lead soprano in the top vocal jazz ensemble, “Pacific Standard Time” and played trombone in one of the college's outstanding big bands, “Studio Jazz Band” for her first two years as a student. While singing with PST, the ensemble had the honor of upholding the group's legacy as the Downbeat Student Music Awards recipient for best ensemble. During her final year, she focused on growing her individual voice by taking on the role of composer in addition to arranger and performer. CSULB provided many exciting performance opportunities such as headlining the Jazz Education Network Conference in Dallas, Texas and opening for the Playboy Jazz Festival at LA's own Hollywood Bowl.

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In addition to performing and creating music of her own, Gracelyn also has a  passion for sharing the gift of music with others. This love for sharing and teaching led her to receive a Certificate in Higher Education Teaching from the esteemed Harvard University in Cambridge, MA in the fall of 2020. This program prompted her to continue her education, currently acquiring another Certificate from Stanford University in International Women's Health and Human Rights, which primarily focuses on the ways young girls are treated in regards to their education in different cultures around the world. Gracelyn has taught private and group lessons and has directed various types of ensembles for over 10 years. Having attended art-focused institutions dating back to pre-school, Gracelyn understands how to teach aspiring artists of all ages. With her growing knowledge of educational practices and strategies, Gracelyn is actively following a path in her life which she hopes will benefit young musicians and people around the world. One of these ways is through the creation of her new book, which is still in the process of being written.

Today Gracelyn is a full-time music creator and educator, frequently traveling the world, studying the musical styles of non-western cultures, and deepening the understanding of what music truly is. Having a strong desire for adventure, she approaches every moment with an open mind, saying yes to whatever may come her way. Gracelyn looks forward to the future, her career in the arts, and the unlimited opportunities that lie ahead.