JULIE ANN ABAJIAN
San Juan Capistrano,California
Summary
Seasoned, innovative pianist with 40 years of performance experience in church setting, including broadcasted media. Dedicated, skilled accompanist, sight-reader, and heart-felt, innovative composer/arranger/improvisor. Every note played to the glory of the King.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
HOMESCHOOLING MOM
EMPLOYED BY THE LORD GOD
San Juan Capistrano, CA
11.2009 - Current
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility for all God has entrusted to me.
- Daughter graduated from Colorado Christian University with Associates Degree May 2024 at the age of 14. She is currently on path to graduate in Creative Writing and Apologetics Bachelor Degrees in 2027. Aspiring Lawyer
- Son, age 10, currently completing high-school level curriculum and accepted into Pre-College Program at the Academy of Arts University for Architecture. Aspiring Developer
- Sunday School volunteer to sow the seeds of God's love in their hearts.
ARCHITECT
SELF-EMPLOYED
Sierra Madre, San Juan Capistrano, CA
08.2012 - Current
- Collaborated with clients to develop customized architectural solutions, meeting their unique needs.
- Balanced aesthetics with functionality by creating architectural designs meeting both visual appeal and practicality requirements.
- Maintained strong communication with clients throughout the design process to ensure alignment between their vision and the final product.
- Communicated with vendors and contractors to incorporate input into project designs.
- Assisted clients in obtaining required permits from local authorities throughout all stages of the approval process.
- Streamlined construction processes by coordinating with engineers, contractors, and other professionals to ensure timely completion of projects.
- Maintained quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurements, illustrations and documentation.
- Inspected contractor and sub-contractor work to verify construction met quality standards and complied with building codes.
- Designed acoustic properties of buildings by determining materials and construction techniques to reduce noise transmission and improve sound quality.
- Preserved and restored historic buildings, sites and neighborhoods, taking into account age, style and cultural significance of location.
CHURCH PIANIST
FIRST CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE
Pasadena, CA
05.2017 - 04.2020
- Enhanced congregation's worship experience by skillfully playing piano during services and special events.
- Created custom arrangements of well-known hymns or contemporary Christian songs to provide fresh interpretations for reflection and prayer, instrumental accompaniment, and special performances.
- Spontaneous reflective accompaniment on piano to accompany prayers or pastoral shepherding.
- Performed piano and organ, dual piano duos for special music during offertories
- Performed at weddings, and other milestone events within the congregation, creating a meaningful and personal atmosphere for attendees.
- Developed an extensive repertoire that catered to diverse preferences within the congregation, resulting in increased satisfaction among members.
- Can sightread choral anthems as well as chord charts.
- Contributed to increased attendance at church events by providing exceptional musical accompaniment.
- Collaborated with audio-visual team members to ensure optimal sound levels during performances.
- Cultivated a supportive and inclusive environment for all musicians, encouraging collaboration, growth, and skill development.
- Mentored aspiring pianists within the congregation, fostering a love for music and strengthening their skills through regular lessons.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between elements of service by providing timely and appropriate musical cues.
- Worked closely with other instrumentalists within the congregation to create well-rounded and engaging performances during special events or services.
- Consulted with directors to determine placement of musical cues and coordinate artistic vision.
- Transposed pieces from one instrument to another and one key to another to accommodate musician preferences.
- Provided musical background for Holy Week reflections and Christmas productions
- Worked with both adults and children and shaped approaches to align with student experience level and musical knowledge.
CHILDREN'S CHOIR AND MINISTRY DIRECTOR
FIRST CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE
Pasadena, CA
08.2017 - 04.2022
- Researched, directed, recorded, and edited 70+ videos I taught during COVID on You-Tube for youth.
- Directed 3 full-scale musical drama's performed by youth to teach God's Word.
- Directed and taught week-long Music Camp for children
- Led Speech Class for children to confidently declare the Word of God
- Fostered a culture of spiritual growth and development through ongoing discipleship initiatives and opportunities for deepening faith.
- Established new ministries tailored to address specific needs within the congregation and community at large.
- Revitalized worship experiences, incorporating diverse elements to engage attendees.
- Kept program children safe and secure at all times with proactive monitoring strategies.
- Mentored emerging ministry leaders, providing guidance on spiritual development
PIANO ACCOMPANIST
LAKE AVENUE CHURCH
Pasadena, CA
09.2010 - 12.2016
- Handled requests for specific musical selections for special events and weekly gatherings.
- Increased audience engagement by delivering expressive performances that captured the emotional intent of each piece.
- Developed customized arrangements to suit the unique needs of each performance collaboration, ensuring cohesiveness
- Improved rehearsal efficiency by skillfully sight-reading new material, allowing for more focused attention on interpretation and expression.
- Elevated worship services through sensitive, well-executed piano accompaniment for hymns and other edifying music.
- Received positive feedback from conductors and musicians alike for consistent professionalism and high-quality performances.
- Partnered with choir directors to create dynamic choral performances through precise and expressive piano playing.
- Interpreted and modified music to personalize performances.
- Observed choral leaders or prompters for cues or directions in vocal presentations.
BIBLE STUDY FELLOWSHIP PIANIST
BIBLE STUDY FELLOWSHIP
San Clemente, Pasadena, CA
09.2002 - 05.2009
- Enhanced congregation prayer and engagement by incorporating personally developed arrangements of hymns before and during worship services.
- Collaborated with ministry leader to develop cohesive and spiritually enriching worship experiences.
CHILDREN'S CHOIR AND WORSHIP DIRECTOR
OCEAN HILLS COMMUNITY CHURCH
San Juan Capistrano, CA
02.2003 - 08.2006
- Wrote, researched, and delivered cohesive and impactful messages for children to know that God empowers them with His Power.
- Taught them to sing and live for an Audience of One, continually encouraging, equipping, and empowering children.
- Coordinated special events and seasonal programs at the Mission, San Juan Capistrano, to engage the children and reach the community.
- Cultivated a culture of prayer within the children's choir, fostering spiritual growth.
- Kept program children safe and secure at all times with proactive monitoring strategies.
Education
B. ARCH - ARCHITECTURE, MUSIC PERFORMANCE - PIANO
CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY
San Luis Obispo, CA05.2022
Skills
- Chamber Music Experience
- Improvisational Skills
- Heart-felt worship and expression
- Sight Reading
- Harmonic understanding
- Concert preparation
- Live Music Performances
- Choir performances
Timeline
CHILDREN'S CHOIR AND MINISTRY DIRECTOR
FIRST CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE
08.2017 - 04.2022
CHURCH PIANIST
FIRST CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE
05.2017 - 04.2020
ARCHITECT
SELF-EMPLOYED
08.2012 - Current
PIANO ACCOMPANIST
LAKE AVENUE CHURCH
09.2010 - 12.2016
HOMESCHOOLING MOM
EMPLOYED BY THE LORD GOD
11.2009 - Current
CHILDREN'S CHOIR AND WORSHIP DIRECTOR
OCEAN HILLS COMMUNITY CHURCH
02.2003 - 08.2006
BIBLE STUDY FELLOWSHIP PIANIST
BIBLE STUDY FELLOWSHIP
09.2002 - 05.2009
B. ARCH - ARCHITECTURE, MUSIC PERFORMANCE - PIANO
CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY