“Sticking with music has paid off and I’m so happy with where it has taken me. CSUF gave me the opportunity to lead with purpose and passion.”
For Johnston Nguyen, conducting isn’t just about keeping time, it’s about bringing people and stories to life through music. A first-generation Vietnamese American and graduating Class of 2025 master’s student in music, Johnston turned inspiration into opportunity at Cal State Fullerton. From studying under world-class faculty to conducting at a nationally renowned clinic, he’s embraced every challenge with precision, passion, and purpose. As the first recipient of the Alan V. Stang Ph.D. Scholarship, Johnston is using his time at CSUF to elevate underrepresented voices in music and prepare to inspire the next generation of musicians.