Michael Loya is a graduate of the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music (Bachelor of Music in Music Education). Currently serving as the Director of Music at Jesuit High School in Carmichael, CA. Mr. Loya conducts the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Pep Band, Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, Marching Band, and Drumline and helps to guide all aspects of the school’s music program. Mr. Loya was also the previous Director of Music for Woodland High School for the past 10 years, where he taught all music curricula. As a clinician and guest conductor/clinician/adjudicator/coach, he has worked with an abundance of groups, including Sac State, American River College, Manteca High School, WJUSD schools, and more. 

Michael Loya studied conducting and music education under industry leading educators including the program director Dr. Ruth V. Brittan. Continuing on after earning his degree, Michael Loya has practiced & studied the art of conducting under several reputable conductors including Dr. Jack Stamp (University of Pennsylvania), Dr. Matthew Morse (Sacramento State University), Dr. Emily Thrienan (University of Minnesota), Dr. Peter Boonshaft (Hofstra University, & Author of critically acclaimed best-selling books “teaching Music with passion, purpose, and promise”), Dr. Robert Halseth (Sacramento State University), Kevin Sedatole (Michigan State University), Harvey Benstein (Walnut Creek CB), Dr. Nicolas Waldvogel (University of the Pacific Orchestra), and the late Dr. Eric Hammer (University of the Pacific Bands). He is a frequent Member and Participant of the Sacramento conducting wind symposium held yearly by reputable colleges, both participating as a conductor and an ensemble member.

During his years at the University of the Pacific, Michael Loya was a very active member of his Conservatory. He studied Saxophone Performance under the direction of acclaimed saxophonist David Henderson (who received his Master of Music from the Juilliard School of Music and regularly performs with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, Opera, and Ballet). Mr. Loya has a performance history with the University Wind Ensemble, Pineapple Sax Quartet, 1-Up Sax Quartet, UOP Choral Ensembles, Four Sax Only Sax Quartet, and American River College Symphonic Band. He was also the Director of the Conservatory Sax Ensemble for two years. He was awarded the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music Outstanding Achievement Award for his work within the music department. Currently Mr. Loya plays in the Sierra Nevada Winds Orchestra (a recipient of the Sousa Silver Scroll, an award given to only one band in the nation annually); as well as local jazz combos, sax quartets, bands and performance ensembles. 

Mr. Loya actively participates in clinics, performance, and adjudication opportunities, educational professional development, and all other aspects of staying involved in the field of music education