Ashley Walker

California State University, East Bay
Trustee Board Chair Rebecca D. and James Eisen Scholar

Being the oldest meant there was the expectation of helping my mom take care of the family. Those responsibilities at a young age really taught me work ethic, control and patience.

Ashley “AJ” Walker was born deaf and struggled with a speech impediment for years after his hearing improved. Yet, when AJ sang, he didn't stutter. AJ’s mother noticed his perfect pitch, so she kept AJ involved in music throughout his childhood—motivating him to study choral conducting and helping others experience the joy and love of singing.

Today, AJ is a choral-conducting graduate student at California State University, East Bay, where he directs the Singing Society choir, while teaching undergraduate classes in sight singing and voice. AJ previously served as the director of music at Linden Hall School for Girls, and he founded and directed the successful Music for Everyone Community Chorus.

At Cal State East Bay, AJ has served as vice president of the campus chapter of American Choral Directors Association, tutored numerous students and conducted two large symphonic works. After graduation, AJ plans to return to South Africa to study choral music and pursue a doctorate of musical arts in choral conducting.