Dean Southern

Dean Southern, DMA, serves as Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs & Dean of the Institute at the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM), while also being a member of the voice faculty. He holds a diverse background as a singer, pianist, and stage director. His administrative roles include overseeing academic and student affairs, alongside directing the Art Song Festival at CIM, established to promote art song performance through international collaborations.

Education: B.A. from Luther College (Decorah, Iowa), M.M. in Piano Performance (University of Missouri), M.M. in Voice Performance (University of Akron), and DMA in Voice Performance (CIM). He participated in the Santa Fe Opera Apprentice Artist Program.

Teaching Experience spans over two decades, including roles at CIM (2006-2008, 2012-present), the University of Miami Frost School of Music (2005-2006, 2008-2012), and the American Institute of Musical Studies (AIMS) in Graz, Austria. He has also taught in summer programs across Italy, China, California, and Massachusetts.

Research interests focus on vocal pedagogy, art song interpretation, and historical vocal performance practices. He frequently contributes to Classical Singer magazine, emphasizing practical teaching methods and historical vocal techniques. His engagements include masterclasses at institutions like the Central Conservatory of Music (Beijing) and the Royal College of Music (Stockholm).

Leadership roles include serving as a jury member for the Bologna International Vocal Competition, an adjudicator for international competitions, and as a Master Teacher in the 2020 NATS Intern Program. He chairs the NATS International Advisory Committee and governs the Ohio District of NATS.