Tandaleria Roland
Schaumburg,IL
Summary
Dynamic Talent Coordinator and Audio Engineer with 10+ years of experience leading live event production, managing creative and technical teams, and delivering high-quality experiences from concept to execution. Known for building strong, reliable teams, streamlining communication between departments, and ensuring every event runs smoothly—no matter the pressure. Brings a unique blend of technical expertise, people leadership, and real-world production experience, with a proven ability to stay organized, adaptable, and solution-focused in fast-paced environments.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Freelance Live Sound Engineer & Event Technician
Freelance
Chicago, IL
02.2018 - Current
- Operated audio mixing consoles and sound reinforcement systems for live events.
- Collaborated with artists and event organizers to achieve desired sound quality.
- Conducted sound checks and adjustments to ensure optimal audio performance.
- Diagnosed and resolved technical issues in real-time during performances.
- Provided live sound engineering and technical support as part of an AV team for weddings, private events, concerts, and school functions
- Set up and broke down audio and staging equipment, ensuring efficient load-in and strike processes
- Mixed and operated live sound during events, maintaining high-quality audio in fast-paced environments
- Collaborated with AV team members, DJs, performers, and event staff to ensure seamless execution
- Troubleshot technical issues in real time, maintaining professionalism and composure under pressure
- Adapted quickly to different venues, event formats, and production needs
- Continuously expanding technical skillset, including developing knowledge of lighting and full AV production systems
- Mentored junior sound engineers on best practices and equipment usage.
- Implemented new audio technologies to enhance overall production quality.
- Managed equipment inventory, ensuring proper maintenance and readiness for events.
- Developed customized sound solutions tailored to specific venue acoustics and audience needs.
- Improved audience experience by skillfully managing sound levels during high-profile events.
- Recorded speech and music in digital formats.
- Separated instruments, vocals, and peripheral sounds and mixed during post-production stage.
- Prepared for recording sessions by selecting and setting up microphones.
- Regulated volume level and sound quality during recording sessions.
- Set up and broke down sound board, speakers, microphones and ear buds at each event.
- Offered post-production services such as mixing, mastering, and editing to enhance overall audio quality for clients'' recorded projects.
Creative Director & Music Educator
Independent Projects & Music Institutions
01.2018 - Current
- Directed creative initiatives for large-scale music productions, collaborating with artists and cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional projects.
- Educated students in vocal performance, songwriting, and recording, fostering growth and development in aspiring musicians.
- Consistently developed and maintained strong relationships with musicians, artists, and venues, leveraging these connections to secure low-cost or pro bono work, which enhanced project delivery within budget constraints.
- Managed all phases of project execution, from ideation to completion, while maintaining strong client relationships.
- Taught curriculum enhanced lesson plans to educate over 30 students about fundamentals and history of music.
Creator & Executive Producer
Sessions With Tandaleria
Chicago, IL
01.2016 - Current
- Conceived, produced, and directed a live performance music series showcasing emerging and established artists.
- Scouted and selected talent, collaborating with over 50 vocalists, musicians, and songwriters across diverse genres.
- Wrote, recorded, and arranged professional reference tracks for featured artists.
- Coordinated rehearsals, organizing all aspects of production including band arrangements, stage setups, and technical requirements.
- Managed musicians, film crew, and studio spaces, overseeing all logistics and ensuring high production quality.
- Collaborated with video teams on post-production, delivering polished performances that have helped launch artists such as Sherrion Jolly and Amari (The Chi).
- Produced over 50 concerts and sessions, 80% of which sold out.
- Developed engaging content for diverse platforms, enhancing audience interaction and brand visibility.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align creative strategies with organizational goals and initiatives.
- Conducted market research to identify trends, informing content strategy and increasing relevance to target audiences.
Vocal & Music Production Instructor
Our Music Institute
Northfield, IL
08.2023 - 04.2026
- Teach vocals, songwriting, production, stage presence, and band performance to diverse students in one-on-one and group settings.
- Instruct in multiple DAWs including Pro Tools, Ableton Live, and GarageBand.
- Develop customized lesson plans tailored to each student or group’s learning style and goals.
- Lead classes ranging from beginner to advanced, fostering confidence and technical mastery in performance and production.
- Developed engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse student needs.
- Facilitated individual and group instruction to enhance musical proficiency.
- Evaluated student progress through assessments and constructive feedback.
- Integrated technology into curriculum to improve learning outcomes.
- Organized recitals and performances, promoting student engagement with the community.
- Implemented innovative teaching methods to enhance student retention and interest.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent classroom management techniques.
- Tracked student progress, frequently checking in with struggling students and identifying root causes of problems.
- Initiated new learning methods, eliminating instructional gaps and improving comprehension.
- Promoted classroom safety, collaboration, and best practices.
- Tested and evaluated students on materials presented in workshops and classes.
- Applied various teaching aids to minimize learning gaps and instruct and motivate students.
- Increased student motivation by developing engaging lesson plans that catered to various learning styles.
Audio Emphasis Instructor
Illinois Media School
Chicago, IL
02.2025 - 09.2025
- Design and deliver 4-hour, multi-day classes focused on Pro Tools proficiency for aspiring audio engineers.
- Create detailed lesson plans, exams, and projects to develop both technical skills and creative problem-solving abilities.
- Teach students to think critically about engineering choices while mastering industry-standard workflows.
- Provide hands-on training in recording, editing, and mixing, preparing students for professional audio careers.
- Developed curriculum for multimedia production courses, enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Facilitated hands-on training sessions in audio and video editing software, improving technical proficiency among students.
- Mentored aspiring media professionals, providing guidance on industry best practices and career development.
- Evaluated student projects using established criteria, ensuring consistent feedback and quality assessment standards.
- Collaborated with faculty to design interdisciplinary programs, integrating diverse media disciplines into course offerings.
- Boosted student performance by providing individualized support and targeted feedback.
- Improved student performance by defining clear goals and communicating performance metrics.
- Tested students to assess progress and adapted learning plans in alignment with performance.
Vocal Instructor & Show Director
School of Rock (Schaumburg & Arlington Heights, IL)
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Taught private and group vocal lessons to classes of up to 15 students, focusing on technique, performance, and stage presence.
- Directed student rock shows, coordinating rehearsals, repertoire, and live performances.
- Developed lesson plans tailored to diverse learning styles.
- Developed personalized vocal training programs tailored to individual student needs.
- Fostered a creative learning environment enhancing student engagement and musical expression.
- Mentored students in performance techniques, building confidence and stage presence.
- Collaborated with instructors to design group classes that promote teamwork and cooperation.
- Conducted regular assessments to track student progress and adjust instructional methods accordingly.
- Implemented innovative teaching strategies utilizing contemporary music genres for effective learning.
- Expanded students'' understanding of music theory through engaging activities that complemented their vocal training.
- Provided constructive criticism while maintaining a supportive atmosphere, resulting in confident performers.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Vocal and Composition, Business
Dominican University
River Forest, IL06-2014
Skills
- Proficient in Pro Tools for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering
- Strong knowledge of Logic Pro, Ableton Live, and FL Studio, with the ability to teach students to navigate, compose, record, edit, and mix across multiple DAWs
- Expertise in songwriting, beat making, arranging, and applying music theory to diverse genres including R&B, pop, hip hop, film scoring, and electronic music
- Experienced in live sound engineering, MIDI programming, and mastering techniques
- Lesson planning tailored to individual learning styles to ensure clear understanding of technical and creative concepts
- Skilled in classroom management, student engagement, and fostering creativity through collaboration
- Proven track record in producing professional-quality music projects and guiding students in preparing and presenting work in professional formats
- Verbal and written communication
- Monitor engineering
- Audio routing
- Stage management
- Operating recording equipment
- Event sound management
- Music mixing and editing
Accomplishments
- Directed performances at iconic venues, including Emporium Arcade Bar, Evanston Rocks, The Wire, Tavern on LaGrange, and the Silver Room Block Party.
- Recognized as one of the few Black female recording engineers in Chicago, actively contributing to the local music community.
- Successfully led the reboot of Sessions with Tandaleria, earning international acclaim for innovation in music production.
Certification
Advanced Training in Studio Mixing and Recording Engineering (2022)
Timeline
Audio Emphasis Instructor
Illinois Media School
02.2025 - 09.2025
Vocal & Music Production Instructor
Our Music Institute
08.2023 - 04.2026
Freelance Live Sound Engineer & Event Technician
Freelance
02.2018 - Current
Creative Director & Music Educator
Independent Projects & Music Institutions
01.2018 - Current
Vocal Instructor & Show Director
School of Rock (Schaumburg & Arlington Heights, IL)
01.2017 - 01.2020
Creator & Executive Producer
Sessions With Tandaleria
01.2016 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Vocal and Composition, Business
Dominican University