Rory Michelle Sullivan

Rory Michelle Sullivan is an American singer-songwriter, musician, composer, and Jewish educator known for her music that blends folk, pop, and spiritual elements. Her work focuses on creating communal experiences and connections through music deeply rooted in Jewish themes and spirituality. Sullivan has released four albums: "Turtledove" (2013), "Inner Child" (2014), "The God Album" (2015), and "Rising in Love" (2018).
==Early life and education==
Sullivan grew up on Long Island, New York, where she developed her passion for music. At seventeen she studied classical voice with sopranos Sona Ghazarian and Anna Gabrieli. Sullivan holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Harvard University, graduating in 2009. She also obtained a Master's in Arts in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2010.
==Career==
Jewish educator 
Sullivan has a background in Jewish education, spanning both conventional and innovative settings. In 2005, she established Reading Fun Day, an award-winning program engaging school children in reading and theater arts. In 2009, the program received the New York State English Council's Program of Excellence Award.
 
In October 2007, Sullivan joined Dig the Past as an instructor, teaching Israeli archaeological techniques and engaging students in Israeli history and culture. In 2008, she became a group leader and teacher at Beth El Temple Center, mentoring teen girls in an empowerment program and teaching Hebrew and Sunday School.
 
In June 2008, Sullivan joined Lincoln Center Institute as a workshop support intern, assisting in arts education workshops and organizing seminars. In July 2010, she became a development associate at Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre, where she helped implement an individual donor program and managed donor event logistics.
 
During her time at Harvard University, Sullivan designed arts programming for 1600 freshmen, served as an advisor for 27 students, and supervised a team of Peer Advising Fellows. As a development and communication associate at Harvard Hillel in 2011, she implemented fundraising appeals, organized successful reunion events, and revitalized young alumni programming.
 
In 2013, she joined Musical Munchkins as a music teacher and curriculum developer, creating a new kindergarten program and writing songs for curricular CDs.
 
In 2014, she became a song leader at Congregation Beth El, leading song sessions for K–7th graders. She also participated in Tribe 12's fellowship program for Jews in Philadelphia.
 
Sullivan has also served as Director of Jewish Life & Culture at the 14th Street Y’s New Country Day Camp, focusing on music and social-emotional skills through innovative Jewish curricula.
 
Musician, singer-songwriter 
After graduating from Harvard University, Sullivan pursued her passion for music, establishing herself as a singer-songwriter and founding her independent record label, Live It Studios, in 2012. Her work centers on spirituality, art, and personal growth themes.
 
In 2013, Sullivan released her debut album, "Turtledove," featuring tracks exploring love, identity, and self-discovery themes. Subsequently, she released her second album, "Inner Child," in 2014. In 2015, she released her third album, "The God Album," inspired by her studies at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem. In 2018, she released her fourth album, "Rising in Love," a narrative about an interracial Jewish couple navigating relationships.
 
Sullivan has performed at the Emerging Artist Showcase at the URJ Biennial and participated in Mitsui Collective's 2nd Kollel. She is an active member of the Dramatists Guild and the Alliance for Jewish Theatre. She has been featured in publications like the Jewish Exponent and BroadwayWorld.com. Her work has been showcased at festivals like ISH, Cincinnati's Jewish and Israeli Arts and Cultural Festival, and on Jewish Rock Radio. Feinstein's 54 Below has featured songs from her album "Rising in Love." She has also been featured at events like Limmud Chicago + MW and the URJ Biennial.
==Discography==
* Turtledove (2013)
* Inner Child (2014)
* The God Album (2015)
* Rising in Love (2018)
==References==
==External links==
* Personal website
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* Rory Michelle Sullivan on YouTube
* Rory Michelle Sullivan on Spotify
Category:American singer-songwriters
Category:American musicians
Category:American composers
Category:People from Long Island
Category:Jewish educators
Category:American people