Meet Dr. Tom Ruscica
Degrees and Experience
- D.M.A., Choral Conducting (University of Nevada, Reno)
- M.A., Music (Azusa Pacific University)
- B.A., Music (Azusa Pacific University)
Biography and Professional Achievements
Dr. Tom Ruscica has served in higher education leadership and music education for more than 23 years, inspiring students through excellence in conducting, performance, and leadership development. An accomplished conductor and educator, he has led collegiate choral programs, presenting approximately 30 concerts annually, with ensembles recognized for their artistic excellence and meaningful engagement with audiences.
Throughout his career, Dr. Ruscica has conducted more than 30 recordings of his University Choir & Orchestra, spanning classical, sacred, and contemporary repertoire. Recording projects have taken him and his ensembles to some of the world's most renowned studios, including Abbey Road Studios in London, Skywalker Sound, and Sony Pictures Studios. He has also led numerous concert tours throughout the United States and Europe, including performances in England, Belgium, and France.
As a guest conductor, Dr. Ruscica has been invited to lead numerous regional honor choirs and orchestras, including multiple Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Musicale choral festivals and the ACSI Honor Symphony. His commitment to musical excellence and collaborative artistry has made him a sought-after conductor, clinician, and mentor.
In recognition of his contributions to higher education, Dr. Ruscica was honored by the California State Assembly in 2026 for more than 23 years of service to students and academic leadership. Throughout his career, he has served in faculty and administrative leadership roles, mentoring students as musicians, educators, and servant leaders.
Dr. Ruscica earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music with an emphasis in Music Theory and a Master of Arts in Music with an emphasis in Choral Conducting from Azusa Pacific University. He completed a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Faith and Learning Statement
My philosophy of Christian higher education is grounded in the conviction that all truth is God's truth and that education is most transformative when intellectual growth, spiritual formation, and personal development are pursued together. I believe the purpose of education extends beyond the acquisition of knowledge and technical skill; it is to cultivate individuals of character who are equipped to serve God, lead others with humility, and faithfully use their gifts to impact the world.
My approach to teaching is shaped by four foundational principles: cultivating faith, preparing students to influence the world for Christ, pursuing excellence as an act of worship, and developing servant leaders.
Faith is not an addition to the educational experience but the lens through which learning is understood. Every discipline provides opportunities to explore God's truth, recognize His creativity and order, and encourage students to consider how their faith informs both their academic pursuits and their daily lives. I believe authentic learning occurs when students are challenged intellectually while also growing spiritually, allowing biblical truth to shape their decisions, relationships, and future vocations.
As an educator, I also believe students are called to be ambassadors for Christ within their professions and communities. Christian higher education should prepare graduates not only for successful careers but also for faithful lives of influence. Whether serving in churches, schools, performance venues, businesses, or community organizations, students should understand that their gifts and abilities are ultimately entrusted to them for God's glory and the service of others. Education should inspire students to view every opportunity as a platform for demonstrating Christ's love through both their words and their actions.
The pursuit of excellence is another defining element of my philosophy. Scripture teaches that whatever we do should be done wholeheartedly as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23–24). Excellence is therefore not the pursuit of perfection for personal recognition but a faithful response to God's calling. It is expressed through disciplined preparation, careful attention to detail, perseverance, and stewardship of the talents God has entrusted to each individual. I believe that true excellence develops both competence and character, preparing students to serve with integrity long after they leave the classroom.
Leadership development is likewise central to my educational philosophy. I believe Christ modeled leadership as service, humility, sacrifice, and love. Effective leadership is measured not by position or authority but by the ability to invest in others, encourage their growth, and inspire them to pursue a shared purpose. My desire is to cultivate transformational servant leaders who demonstrate wisdom, integrity, compassion, and courage while creating environments where others can flourish. Leadership, in this sense, is not simply a professional competency but a lifelong calling rooted in biblical principles.
Ultimately, my calling as a Christian educator is to invest in the whole person—academically, spiritually, emotionally, relationally, and professionally. I seek to foster a learning environment where students are challenged to pursue excellence, encouraged to deepen their relationship with Christ, and equipped to lead lives of faithful service. My hope is that graduates leave not only with knowledge and professional preparation but also with the character, conviction, and spiritual maturity to influence their communities for the glory of God.