Dr. Ilah Raleigh
Arts Education Leader | Performing Artist | Author
Dr. Ilah Raleigh is a visionary arts education leader, accomplished performing artist, and scholar dedicated to expanding the canon of American lyric theater and fostering equity in arts education. Described by Chris Hewitt of the Star Tribune as “singing with dignity, beauty and power,” Dr. Raleigh bridges high-level performance expertise with academic rigor to create transformative artistic and educational experiences.
Educational Leadership
With a commitment to equity, accessibility, and innovation, Dr. Raleigh has held leadership positions across community, PreK-12, and higher education settings.
Performing Arts
Dr. Raleigh’s versatile voice comfortably straddles the mezzo-soprano and soprano repertoire. She is committed to telling new stories through song and frequently performs in recital, sharing her love for African American and Spanish art song repertoire.
Scholarship & Publications
Bridging pedagogy and cultural studies, Dr. Raleigh’s research focuses on innovative curricula and the intersection of identity and musical genre.
Education
Arts Education Leader | Performing Artist | Author
Dr. Ilah Raleigh is a visionary arts education leader, accomplished performing artist, and scholar dedicated to expanding the canon of American lyric theater and fostering equity in arts education. Described by Chris Hewitt of the Star Tribune as “singing with dignity, beauty and power,” Dr. Raleigh bridges high-level performance expertise with academic rigor to create transformative artistic and educational experiences.
Educational Leadership
With a commitment to equity, accessibility, and innovation, Dr. Raleigh has held leadership positions across community, PreK-12, and higher education settings.
- Current Role: PK-12 Director of Visual and Performing Arts at The Blake School (Hopkins, MN).
- Previous Leadership: Chair of the Vocal Arts Department at the St. Paul Conservatory of Performing Artists.
- Higher Education: Former faculty at the University of St. Thomas (Dougherty Family College and Department of Music) and the MacPhail Center for Music.
Performing Arts
Dr. Raleigh’s versatile voice comfortably straddles the mezzo-soprano and soprano repertoire. She is committed to telling new stories through song and frequently performs in recital, sharing her love for African American and Spanish art song repertoire.
- Performance Highlights: Performed in the ensemble for Minnesota Opera's world premiere of My Name is Florence by composer B.E. Boykin and librettist Harrison David Rivers.
- Notable Engagements: Washington National Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, Minnesota Opera, Orlando Philharmonic, and the Lakes Area Music Festival.
- Educational Outreach: Curated and presented educational recitals for students aged 4 to 18, exploring cultural history through the works of composers William Grant Still, Charles Lloyd Jr., and H. Leslie Adams.
Scholarship & Publications
Bridging pedagogy and cultural studies, Dr. Raleigh’s research focuses on innovative curricula and the intersection of identity and musical genre.
- Book Chapter: Contributed to Engaging Pedagogies for Diverse Learners (Rowman & Littlefield, 2023).
- Dissertation: "Mixed People, Mixed Music: Hybrid Contemporary Commercial Music Genres and the Multiethnic Artists Who Create Them" (2022, passed with honors).
- Forthcoming: Writing a general interest book on the cultural forces behind reggaetón, Reggaetón: A Surprising Story of Migration and Empowerment, slated for publication in Spring 2027.
Education
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Education Leadership, University of St. Thomas
- Master of Music (M.M.) in Vocal Performance, Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University
- B.A. in Italian Studies (Phi Beta Kappa), University of Minnesota