About

Crystal Wood is a Chicago native who is passionate about music education and recognizes that music can heal the soul. She attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy in NY, which was tragically cut short after a diagnosis of leukemia. After successfully completing chemotherapy treatments, Crystal decided to use this new lease on life to pursue her first passion, music. She used music to heal not only her body, but her heart. She went back to school to the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music Education degree.  Crystal specializes in oboe, voice, beginner piano and beginner violin. She is a dedicated teacher and has a passion for helping the “newest aspiring virtuosos” achieve their goals, whatever they may be.   

Most recently Crystal has been working as a vocalist and outreach coordinator for the nonprofit CAMMO (Center for American Military Music Opportunities). Under CAMMO, she performs nationwide with the groups “Voices of Service” and the “American Military Spouses Choir.”  

Screen credits include America’s Got Talent Season 8, the Military Channel, Hallmark Home and Family, the PBS Kennedy Center Lincoln Awards, Oprah’s Life You Want Tour, USO MVP Holiday Special with Idina Menzel, and the Queen Latifah show.  

In addition to her screen credits, she also travels the country with the American Military Spouses Choir and has performed at such venues as the Kennedy Center, Sea World, the San Fransisco 49’ers halftime show, the Pearl Harbor Memorial in Hawaii, Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall.  

She has recorded at Capital Records in Los Angeles and has performed with artists such as the Cincinnati Pops, Jewel, Aloe Blacc, Chris Botti, David Foster, Arturo Sandoval, Chaka Khan, Idina Menzel, Andrew Rannells, Will Swenson, as well as many other amazing artists. 

In addition to CAMMO, Crystal is also a member of the group Deep River Singers, which recently performed at Carnegie Hall in NYC. Deep River Singers promotes the history of African American spirituals and repertoire and performs nationwide at various events and venues.

Crystal’s biggest accomplishments is serving her community as an educator. She served as co-director/teacher for the children’s choir CAMMO Kids which is a completely volunteer run children’s choir that offers music education for the children of military families. This is a cause that is very near to her heart because she was an active-duty Army spouse for 20 years and mom to an amazing daughter. Crystal also has served as a music teacher for the Metropolitan School of the Arts in Alexandria, Virginia; Music and Arts in Fayetteville, NC; and Cumberland County Schools in NC where she was one of three finalists for the 2023 Beginner Teacher of the Year award.

Overall, Crystal believes that music can be a catalyst for change, healing, development, and growth. Perhaps more important, Crystal believes that music should be FUN and engaging. She is full of energy and strives not just technical proficiency, but constantly encourages students to achieve the best version of themselves possible. Music not only develops the mind, but also touches the soul.