About Angelica

A Chicago native, who relocated to Memphis, Angelica Rendek (she/her) grew up on soul, funk, and rock and roll. It wasn’t until later in her youth that she discovered her ability in art music. Since then, Ms. Rendek is active as a performer and presenter. 

        A bulk of Ms. Rendek’s passion and research lies in community outreach and expanding the musical canon through accessibility and representation. In 2022, she made her international debut in Southern France as a performer for the Zodiac Music Festival, where she performed chamber music by living composers as well as solo piano by Amy Beach. 

      As of July 2024, Angelica has served as the Director of Music at St. Gilbert Catholic Church in Grayslake, IL. During her tenure she’s worked to reinstate a vibrant music ministry. With a gift for community recruitment and a vision for togetherness, Ms. Rendek has a passion for parishioner involvement and communal creation. Previously, Angelica served as the Director of Music at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Memphis, TN. During her time there, she helped to organize a unique array of musical concerts and experiences that cater to the musical needs of the community and diocese, including performances of Handel’s Messiah and bluegrass services. Ms. Rendek does a bulk of the work arranging musically and administratively for these events.

  Active in the pedagogy world, Ms. Rendek has been involved in the pedagogy conference community traveling nationally to present and network. She has presented research on a variety of topics including handspan, community engagement, and navigating a musical career. Current projects involve breaking barriers for small handed pianists by making repertoire available and accessible.

            She is currently completing her dissertation (DMA) at the University of Memphis where she studies under Dr. Jonathon Tsay. Before this, Ms. Rendek spent six years in Ohio, where she received her Master of Music in Piano Performance/Pedagogy with Dr. Christopher Fisher (Ohio University) and her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance with an emphasis in Piano Pedagogy  with Mary Dobrea-Grindahl (Baldwin Wallace Conservatory). 

       In 2023, Angelica gave birth to a little girl named Gloria. She is enjoying exposing her to a variety of musical genres. Gloria loves it too! When she isn't teaching, performing, or practicing, she enjoys spending time with her family. At the moment her personal interests include going for walks, watching movies, and homemaking.