"Technique is communication: The two words are synonymous in conductors."

~ Leonard Bernstein

Our Conductor & Rehearsal Accompanist

Dr. William (Bill) Cutter
Artistic Director and Conductor

The Santa Barbara Master Chorale is honored to welcome Dr. William (Bill) Cutter as its Artistic Director.

Dr. Cutter brings more than three decades of distinguished leadership as a conductor, educator, composer, and clinician. He retired in 2022 after a remarkable 32-year career as Director of Choral Programs at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he built one of New England's premier collegiate choral programs. He also served on the faculties of the Boston Conservatory and Boston University.

Among Dr. Cutter's most distinguished accomplishments was his nearly 25-year tenure as rehearsal conductor and chorus master for the internationally acclaimed Tanglewood Festival Chorus, preparing performances with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Pops under many of the world's leading conductors. He also served as Chorus Master and Associate Conductor of the Boston Lyric Opera, Music Director of the Brookline Chorus, and has guest conducted professional and collegiate ensembles throughout North America.

His work has earned widespread critical acclaim. Following a Boston Symphony performance of Brahms' Ein Deutsches Requiem, The Boston Classical Review praised the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, prepared by Dr. Cutter, for its "crystalline diction and a tender emotional touch." The Boston Globe called the chorus "the star of the evening… crystal clear everywhere. In short: heaven on earth." These accolades reflect Dr. Cutter's reputation for achieving exceptional musical artistry and expressive choral singing.

An accomplished composer, Dr. Cutter's choral works are published by leading publishers including Hal Leonard, GIA Publications, Alfred Music, E. C. Schirmer, Lawson-Gould, and Roger Dean Publishing, and are performed by choirs throughout the United States.

The Santa Barbara Master Chorale is excited to begin a new chapter under Dr. Cutter's artistic leadership as he builds upon the Chorale's proud tradition of artistic excellence and expands its role as one of Santa Barbara's premier cultural organizations.

For Dr. Cutter's complete biography, publications, and professional accomplishments, please visit his official website:

Heather Levin-White
Collaborative Pianist

Heather Levin-White is an accomplished collaborative pianist based in Santa Barbara, California, whose work spans vocal accompaniment, chamber music, and community performance.

A native of Redlands, California, she pursued her studies at the University of California Santa Barbara, where she earned a Master of Arts degree. During her time at UCSB, she studied voice with Margery MacKay, performed as a pianist in the university jazz band, and served extensively as an accompanist for voice lessons and classes.

Her undergraduate studies were enriched by participation in the Education Abroad Program at the Université Paul Valéry Montpellier 3 in Montpellier, France, where she furthered her studies in French and music.

Following the completion of her graduate degree, Levin-White became a member of the Music Teachers' Association of California and has since maintained an active presence in the Santa Barbara musical community. Her performance and collaborative work include engagements with institutions such as Westmont College, Santa Barbara City College, and the Santa Barbara Master Chorale, as well as numerous schools, churches, and community ensembles.

Recognized for her versatility and dedication, Levin-White continues to contribute meaningfully to the region’s artistic life as a pianist, educator, and collaborator across choral, theatrical, and operatic settings. Says Heather - “I am grateful to work with so many wonderful teachers, musicians, and students in the Santa Barbara community.”