Chaz Celaya came to PLNU in 2018 to direct the Commercial Music program and teach courses in music production and music industry. Since signing his first production agreement as a teenager, Chaz has traversed the globe working an array of roles in music production, industry, law, and education. Now, as a trusted educator, advisor, and strategist to musicians and creative professionals, his passion is in guiding creatives successfully through the intersection of art and commerce. In addition to a pair of Bachelor Degrees, he holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music and a Doctor of Laws from California Western School of Law, and has twice received the PLNU Excellence in Teaching Award. A native of Southern California, Chaz loves spending time with his wife and three children, usually at a beach, concert venue, or sporting event in San Diego, or adventuring in the wilds of Southeast Alaska.
Education
Juris Doctor, Cum Laude
California Western School of Law, San Diego, CA.
Master of Music, Music Business and Entertainment Industry Studies
University of Miami, Frost School of Music, Coral Cables, FL.
Bachelor of Biblical Studies, with studies abroad in York, England
Calvary Chapel Bible College, Murrieta Hot Springs, CA.
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Music Minor
University of Redlands, Redlands, CA.
Courses Taught
MTC 1000 - Introduction to Music Technology
MCM 3024 - Songwriting
MTC 3027 - Digital Audio I
MTC 3028 - Digital Audio II
MTC 3033 - Studio Recording and Production
MUH 3035 - History of Popular Music
MCM 3036 - The Business of Music
MUP 3040 - Commercial Music Ensemble
MUC 3052 - Commercial Music Composition
MUH 4031 - Faith, Life, and Music
MCM 4035 - Arranging II
MUC 4052 - Commercial Music Composition
MCM 4076 - Senior Project
MTC 4095 - Advanced Production Techniques
Professional and Community Involvement
American Bar Association Forum on Entertainment and Sports Law
Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI)
Music and Entertainment Industry Educators Association (MEIEA)
Beverly Hills Bar Association
San Diego Entertainment and Sports Lawyers
MIDI Association
Phi Alpha Delta International Law Fraternity
Awards and Honors
Recipient of two Excellence in Teaching Awards, PLNU, 2018-2019 & 2019-2020
Recipient of five Academic Excellence Awards: Legal Skills, Legal Research & Writing, Internet & Social Media Law, New Media Rights, and Motion Picture Contract Drafting
Admitted into the Society of Scholars, Phi Alpha Delta International Legal Fraternity
Dissertations, Presentations, and Publications
The Sound Guide: A Resource for Audio Non-Professionals, Positive Infinity Publishing, December 2013.