Biography

Born in Romania, Angelica Prodan began her musical journey studying piano performance at the esteemed Gheorghe Dima Conservatory in Cluj-Napoca. Upon her graduation, she embraced the dual roles of concert pianist and piano educator until her relocation to the United States in 1987.

Prodan expanded her musical horizons in the U.S., acquiring a Master's Degree in Piano and Organ Performance from the University of Redlands in 1990, followed by a Doctorate in Keyboard Collaborative Arts from the University of Southern California in 1996. Since 1993, she has been imparting her knowledge and skills as a member of the piano faculty at the University of Redlands. Her musical development was influenced by a range of skilled instructors including Louanne Long, Dr. Samuel Swartz, Kevin Fitz-Gerald, Eckhart Sellheim, Rita Sloan, Dr. Malcom Hamilton, and John Perry.

Dr. Prodan's remarkable achievements have earned her numerous awards and prizes. She emerged as the winner of the 1999 Victor Valley Symphony Concerto/Aria Competition and received fellowships from esteemed institutions such as the Aspen Music Festival (1998) and the Bach Aria Festival at Stony Brook University (1997). She also procured the Gramma Fisher Scholarship from the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz in 1996. She is a respected member of several notable organizations, such as the Pi Kappa Lambda national honors society, Music Teachers Association of California, American College of Musicians, and The College Music Society. Besides her musical exploits, she has served as an organist in numerous churches throughout the Inland Empire and Orange County, and holds membership with the American Guild of Organists.

Currently, Dr. Prodan serves as the organist at the Campus Hill Church in Loma Linda. She is a sought-after private piano teacher, coach, and collaborative artist. Her musical partnership extends to numerous instrumentalists and vocalists, including members of the prestigious LA Philharmonic. As a soloist, she has performed with several orchestras in Southern California.

Dr. Prodan recently achieved a significant milestone by translating Miron Soarec's book, "Dinu Lipatti, my friend," from Romanian. The book, penned by one of her former professors, offers fresh perspectives on the life and career of Dinu Lipatti, one of history's greatest pianists. The intriguing blend of cultural insights, social commentary, humorous anecdotes, and personal memories makes it a thoroughly engaging read.

Prodan's students often outshine their competitors in local and state competitions. Two of her protégés majored in piano, at Washington Adventist University, one currently pursuing a doctorate in conducting from Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, while another one is working on a choral conducting degree at the Westminster College. Another former student just completed her Master’s Degree in piano performance from the University of Redlands. Another student of hers, after earning a Master’s degree in piano performance from the University of Maryland, serves as tenure track professor in the Musical Theatre Department at the University of Oklahoma. In addition to her extensive piano teaching, Dr. Prodan remains actively involved in organ instruction. Her students have progressed to competitive levels and secured organ-related positions.

Major Awards:
In 2007, Dr. Prodan was featured in "Who's Who Among American Teachers."