AJ Luca
Multidisciplinary artist AJ Luca is a pianist, a vocalist, a composer, an actor, and a leader of congregational worship. A member of the UArts community since she began her undergraduate studies in 2007, Luca is now an adjunct professor there.
Biography
Trained in piano by Jazz Studies Program Director Don Glanden, Tom Lawton, and her father, Joe Luca; in voice by Jeff Kern; and in acting at Stella Adler Studio, AJ Luca approaches all her projects with the intensity of a jazz musician and the heart of an actor and brings the beauty of both worlds to her work. Her specialty as a music educator is guiding students to find their original musical voice, using jazz as their way of approaching playing, composing, and improvising, regardless of their chosen genre.
Luca has been a professional performer since age 10 and has had the privilege of using her talents in various disciplines and venues, including jazz clubs in Philly and NYC; countless recording sessions; touring; acting in regional and New York City theater; and solo cabarets. As a songwriter, Luca’s work can be heard on various albums—most recently, her solo record The Table; City Life Worship’s live album Yes God (June 2024), which she also executive produced; and Resonate Worship’s singles “No Match for You” and “Forever Yours.” She is also a credentialed reverend and a passionate worship leader. Directing music and production each week for City Life Philly church and playing piano/leading the choir for Rodeph Shalom synagogue, Luca loves the power of congregational singing and the personal and community transformation that happens when we raise our voices together.
Experience
Her notable performances include
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piano/arranging for Katrina Lenk/George Abud’s Swing! Cabaret at Birdland NYC;
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original album Yes God with City Life Worship;
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original solo album The Table;
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song co-writing with Erin Frankel and Alden Solovy on “So My Soul May Sing,” which is included in the High Holy Days Anthology;
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accompanist/orchestra member for Heather Headley with the Philly Pops;
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piano/vocals with Philly Pops Big Band;
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songwriting/coproducing/vocals/piano on City Life Worship EP and singles;
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vocals featured on a Bravo TV commercials;
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vocal recording sessions for Toniebox and Playmobil;
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Lindsay in the world premiere play The Blueberry Hill Accord at Stella Adler Studio;
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The Sound of Music national tour and at the Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia; and
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multiple workshops and touring productions for Music Theater International’s Disney division, performing for Alan Menken.
Artist names AJ Luca and City Life Worship on Spotify, Apple Music, and all digital outlets