Professor Charles “Chaz” Celaya joined ͵ in 2018 as Director of
the Commercial Music Program, where he teaches courses in music production and the music
industry. Since signing his first production agreement as a teenager, Chaz has traveled the globe,
taking on diverse roles in the music business. As a trusted educator, advisor, and strategist, he
passionately guides musicians and creative professionals at the intersection of art and commerce.
In addition to two bachelor’s degrees, he holds a Master of Music from the University of
Miami’s Frost School of Music and a Doctor of Laws cum laude from California Western School
of Law. A licensed California attorney, Chaz operates Celaya Legal, a San Diego-based, music-
focused law firm, and frequently speaks at music industry events. His extensive music industry
experience informs his teaching, earning him the ͵ Excellence in Teaching Award three
times. A Southern California native, Chaz enjoys spending time with his wife and three children
at San Diego’s beaches, concert venues, or sporting events and treasures quality time in
Southeast Alaska.
Education
Juris Doctor, Cum Laude
California Western School of Law, San Diego, CA.
Master of Music, Music Business and Entertainment Industry Studies
University of Miami, Frost School of Music, Coral Cables, FL.
Bachelor of Biblical Studies, with studies abroad in York, England
Calvary Chapel Bible College, Murrieta Hot Springs, CA.
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Music Minor
University of Redlands, Redlands, CA.
Courses Taught
MTC 1000 - Introduction to Music Technology
MCM 3024 - Songwriting
MTC 3027 - Digital Audio I
MTC 3028 - Digital Audio II
MTC 3033 - Studio Recording and Production
MUH 3035 - History of Popular Music
MCM 3036 - The Business of Music
MUP 3040 - Commercial Music Ensemble
MUC 3052 - Commercial Music Composition
MUH 4031 - Faith, Life, and Music
MCM 4035 - Arranging II
MUC 4052 - Commercial Music Composition
MCM 4076 - Senior Project
MUE 4090 – ProTools Certification
MTC 4095 - Advanced Production Techniques
Professional and Community Involvement
American Bar Association Forum on Entertainment and Sports Law
Beverly Hills Bar Association
Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI)
Music and Entertainment Industry Educators Association (MEIEA)
San Diego Entertainment and Sports Lawyers
AVID Certified Instructor
MIDI Association
Phi Alpha Delta International Law Fraternity
Awards and Honors
Recipient of three Excellence in Teaching Awards, ͵
Recipient of five Legal Academic Excellence Awards: Legal Skills, Legal Research & Writing,
Internet & Social Media Law, New Media Rights, and Motion Picture Contract Drafting.
Admitted into the Society of Scholars, Phi Alpha Delta International Legal Fraternity
Dissertations, Presentations, and Publications
The Sound Guide: A Resource for Audio Non-Professionals, Positive Infinity Publishing, December 2013.