Toledo native Malik Khalfani is an award-winning music director currently residing in Columbus, Ohio. His work has been seen at Indiana University, The Ohio State University, Kent State University, Playhouse Square, Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre, Akron Civic Theatre, Near West Theatre, Toledo Repertoire Theatre, Cutting Edge Theatre Company, the Toledo School for the Arts, and others. Malik also served as the Resident Music Director for Stagecrafters Youth Theatre from 2017-2019. He has been honored with awards at the Ohio Community Theatre Association’s OCTAFest, where he was recognized for Excellence in Vocal Direction and designated Outstanding in Vocal Ensemble for his work on Hairspray.
The young music director and conductor is most frequently seen on the piano. Between conducting the pit from the keyboard, accompanying staged productions, collaborating with other musicians, and score studying, Malik is quite comfortable on the instrument. He is also fluent with multiple members of the string family such as violin, viola, cello, and guitar.
Although Malik works extensively as a music director of musical theatre and symphonic works, he also served as the Music Director of Brecksville United Methodist Church from 2018-2021, and currently serves as the Music Director of The Presbyterian Church of Coshocton, Ohio. He has worked as a musical theatre instructor at the Toledo Repertoire Theatre and Garfield Heights Youth Theatre, as well as the Assistant Orchestra Director of Maumee City Schools.
Malik amalgamates all of his work with Columbus Musicians, LLC, the premier leader and provider of luxury live wedding and event music in Columbus and Central Ohio, where he serves as the company’s COO.
Malik has composed and orchestrated music for many occasions, such as the internet TV series “My Jump,” the musical Babes in Toyland, and productions Bach in Black and A Christmas to Remember. He has also arranged and orchestrated music for several Christmas Eve and Easter services, crafting scores to the needs of each individual service and church.
Malik earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education at Cleveland State University, as well as his Masters in Orchestral Conducting at The Ohio State University under the tutelage of the renown Miriam Burns, where he continues studying within the DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts) program. Malik’s previous conducting mentor includes Dr. Victor Liva.
When not on the podium, you can often find Malik on the Olentangy Running Trail or at the nearest ice cream shop.
Malik Khalfani