EDUCATION
Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice Performance, Pedagogy, and Literature, 2014-2017, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA
- Document: "A Musical Crusade: Reviving the Music of Berlioz’s Benvenuto Cellini Through a Comparative Statistical, Pedagogical, & Theoretical Analysis” Advisor: Dr. Dorothy Maddison
Master of Music in Performance (Voice), 2014, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
Bachelor of Arts, (Summa cum laude), 2011, Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, OH
PROFESSIONAL TEACHING EXPERIENCE
- Adjunct Instructor of Voice, Bridgewater College, Bridgewater, VA, 2017-2018.
- Instruct voice majors, minors, and theater non-majors in a broad spectrum of repertoire to prepare students for juries and recitals. Provide base piano accompaniment in lessons. Assist Dr. John McCarty in teaching healthy vocal production in choral singers by teaching various lessons and masterclasses throughout the fall semester.
- Adjunct Instructor of Music, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, 2017-2018.
- Teach Music Appreciation courses to pre- and/or non-music majors. Fulfill the requirements outlined for the General Education Cluster Two credits. Provide assistance to students with disabilities and provide one on-one mentoring for all desiring students.
- Adjunct Faculty Professor, Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, VA, Fall 2017.
- Teach “The Child and Adolescent Voice” course as a part of the Music Education rotation requirement. This course examines the characteristics of the child voice, methods of working with children in elementary general music class and choral settings and the changes that occur to the voice when students reach adolescence and through that change. Incorporate teaching basic vocal pedagogy practices.
- Adjunct Faculty Professor, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VA, 2017-2018.
- Teach “Theory Fundamentals” sections to music minors and non-majors, and those considering majoring. Serve as the Faculty Director for the vocal group “Baldwin Charm.” Arrange concerts, rehearse and prepare repertoire, and create original a cappella arrangements.
- Vocal Technique Instructor, JMU Vocal Arts Camp, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, Summers 2016 and 2017.
- Daily teach two classes of vocal technique to young singers of all voice types. Discuss vocal science and health. Coach solo and choral singing. Perform in staff recital.
- Doctoral Teaching Associate, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, 2014-2017.
- Teach Music Appreciation courses to pre- and/or non-music majors. Teach Small Group Voice to non-majors. Team-teach Diction for Singers and also Solo Vocal Literature to undergraduate voice and collaborative piano majors. Team-teach Studio Voice Class. Mentor and coach undergraduate performers in the opera.
- Private Voice Instructor, James Madison University, Forbes Center, Harrisonburg, VA, 2014-2017.
- Teach private voice and beginning piano lessons to students of all ages and voice types in a variety of styles. Specializations include classical, musical theater, and popular music. Work with students to build technique, music reading skills, musical expression, and performance skills, among other things.
- Voice Instructor, Shenandoah Valley Academy, New Market, VA, 2016.
- Teach private voice lessons to enrolled students. Focus on building fundamental technique, efficient breath management, and clear phonation. Collaborate with students in choosing appropriate repertoire and preparing it for solo performance. Aiding in developing good practicing habits and free and natural vibrato. Work with fellow music faculty in creating a positive environment for the students.
- Graduate Teaching Assistant, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, 2012-2014.
- Assistant Choral Director—create concert programs, order attire, assist with set-up/tear-down. Act as marketing liaison. Manage the choral library. Negotiate and coordinate with outside directors & locations; account for overall expenses; arrange seating & transportation details. Work with Heinz Hall on logistics for large events such as “Singing City,” with Manfred Honeck, Christine Jordanoff, and Robert Page.
DIRECTING EXPERIENCE
- James Madison University (Harrisonburg, VA)
- Assistant Director, The Mikado by Gilbert and Sullivan 2017
- Opera Guild Scenes Program Director, James Madison University
- Scenes from Cendrillon by Jules Massenet 2016
- Duquesne University (Pittsburgh, PA)
- Assistant to the Director & Stage Manager for Le nozze di Figaro by W. A. Mozart 2014
- Ohio Wesleyan University (Delaware, OH)
- Senior Project: Director, Producer, Stage Manager, & Performer in Godspell by Stephen Schwartz 2011
MASTERCLASSES/WORKSHOPS (GIVEN)
- Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VA, Spring 2017.
- Shenandoah Valley Children's Choir, Eastern Mennonite University, Summer 2017.
- Bridgewater College, Bridgewater, VA, December 2016.
- Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, VA, November 2016
- Shenandoah Valley Academy, New Market, VA, October 2016.
- James Madison University American Choral Directors Association Choral Fest, Harrisonburg, VA, July 2016.
- Grace Covenant Church, Harrisonburg, VA, May 2016.
MASTERCLASSES (Participant)
- Ron Ulen, Freiberg University, 2016
- Ann Baltz, James Madison University, 2015
- Jean-Luc Tingaud, Duquesne University, 2013
- Joyce DiDonato, Salzburg College, 2010
- Richard Miller, The Ohio State University, 2008
PROFESSIONAL AND DEGREE RELATED PERFORMING EXPERIENCE
Operatic/Musical Theater Roles:
Gretel, Hansel und Gretel, Luray Opera 2017
Königin der Nacht, Die Zauberflöte, Landesbühnen Sachsen Theater (Dresden) 2016
Lucy, The Telephone, Mittelsächsiches Theater (Freiberg) 2016
Cunegonde, Candide, James Madison Opera Theater 2016
Rosina, Il barbiere di Siviglia, James Madison Opera Theater 2015
Madame Herz, Der Schauspieldirektor, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts Concert 2015
Musetta, La bohème, James Madison Opera Theater 2014
Susanna, Le nozze di Figaro, Duquesne Opera Workshop 2014
Soeur Constance, Dialogues des Carmélites, Duquesne Opera Workshop 2013
Clotilde, Norma, Undercroft Opera 2013
Carrie, Carousel, Ohio Wesleyan Theater & Dance 2009
Recital and Concert Work:
Candide in Concert with the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival, June 2018
"American in Paris: The Students of Nadia Boulanger," Eastern Mennonite University Guest Artist Recital, with Clement Acevado (piano), April 2018
Baby Book, U.S. Premiere at the Women in Music Festival with William Reber (piano), March 2018
Beethoven's Ninth Symphony Soprano Soloist, conducted by Benjamin Bergey, January 2018
Sunday Recital Series Artist (Faculty Recital), with Tracey Schimmel-Reed (piano), November 2017
37th Annual JMU Contemporary Music Festival Soprano Soloist--Songs of Elizabeth Raum, with Lori Piitz (piano), October 2017
Collaborative Guest Artist Recital at St. James Lutheran Church with Elider DiPaula (piano), July 2017
Schubert's Mass in G, Soprano Soloist with the Shenandoah Valley Chamber Society, April 2017
Germany Concert Tour, with Dr. William Reber, piano, June 2016
- Schloss Lauenstein, Geising (Osterzgebir)
- Mochau, Wittenberg (Saxony-Anhalt)
- Freiberg (Mittelsachsen)
"Arias in the Afternoon" Local Artist Series Recital with Robert Frankenberry (piano), March 2014
Degree-Related Recital Work
- Lecture: "A Musical Crusade: Reviving the Music of Berlioz's Benvenuto Cellini," April 2017
- "It's a Mad, Mad, World," with Tracey Schimmel-Reed (piano), February 2017
- "Vignettes" with Chyh Shen Low (piano), September 2016
- "Songs of Spring" with Chyh Shen Low (piano), March 2015
- "Music Musings" with Inessa Beylin (piano), February 2014
SCHOLARSHIP
Music by Women Festival, Lecture Recital of Baby Book (U.S. Premiere), March 2018
Mid-Atlantic NATS Presenter, "Broadening the Vocal Repertoire," February 2018
HONORS AND AWARDS
- Mid-Atlantic Regional NATS, Third Place, 2016
- Winner of the Duquesne University Concerto Competition, 2013
- First Place, Kean Vocal Competition, 2012
- Winner of the Ohio Wesleyan University Concerto Competition, 2011
- Sam and Marian Ganis Musical Excellence Award, 2011
- Ohio Wesleyan Department of Music’s Senior Music Performance Award, 2011
- Helen Crider Smith “Women as Leaders” Scholarship, 2007
- Distinguished Young Woman of Butler County, 2007
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
- Phi Beta Kappa
- Mu Phi Epsilon
- Kappa Alpha Theta
- Pi Kappa Lambda
ADJUDICATING ENGAGEMENTS
- Virginia National Association of Teachers of Singing, 2018.
- Eastern Mennonite University Concerto Aria Competition Judge, 2015
- Butler County Distinguished Young Women Judge in 2010, 2013
PRINCIPAL TEACHERS
- Dorothy Maddison, Associate Professor of Voice, James Madison University
- Sari Gruber, Adjunct Professor of Voice, Duquesne University
- Marilyn Andrews Nims, Professor of Music, Ohio Wesleyan University
PRINCIPAL COACHES
- Jan Michael Horstmann, Music & Opera Director, Landesbühnen Sachsen
- Anne Kopta, Associate Professor of Voice, Arizona State University
- Patricia Wise, Professor of Music, IU Jacobs School of Music
- Dr. John Carlo Pierce, Assistant Professor of Voice, Colorado State
- Dr. Gabriel Dobner, Professor of Piano, James Madison University
- Robert Frankenberry, Music Director & Coach, Pittsburgh Opera Theater
- Inessa Beylin, Vocal Coach, Duquesne University
PRINCIPAL CONDUCTORS & DIRECTORS
- Jan Michael Horstmann, Music & Opera Director, Landesbühnen Sachsen
- Dr. William Reber, Artistic & Music Director, Arizona State (retired)
- Dr. H. Carl Hess, Instrumental Director, Moravian College (formerly of Duquesne University)
- Jeffrey Turner, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Principal Bass
- Francis Graffeo, Guest Conductor & Executive Director, Joy School of Music
- Walter Morales, Music Director, Edgewood Symphony Orchestra & Undercroft Opera
- Dr. Jason Hiester, Associate Professor Music, Ohio Wesleyan University
- Dr. Don Rierson, Associate Professor & Director of Opera, James Madison University
- Edward Kahn, Professor of Theater and Dance, Ohio Wesleyan University
- Tim Veach, Artistic Director, Columbus Dance Theater