Joshua May

Dr. Joshua May is an Associate Professor of Voice and Director of Opera Activities at the Schwob School of Music, Columbus State University. He is also a Faculty Fellow in the Honors College and an active stage director at the Festival of International Opera in Urbania, Italy.

Education:

• D.M.A. in Voice Performance, University of Connecticut
• M.M. in Vocal Performance, New England Conservatory of Music
• M.M. in Vocal Pedagogy, New England Conservatory of Music
• B.M. in Voice Performance, University of Florida
• Completed all three certification levels at the LoVetri Institute for Somatic Voicework

Dr. May is a renowned tenor, voice educator, and opera director with a focus on vocal performance, pedagogy, and historical performance practice. His research and presentations span vocal literature, somatic voicework, and opera staging, delivered at national and international conferences including the National Opera Association, College Music Society, and National Association of Teachers of Singing. He is deeply committed to advancing vocal arts education and training the next generation of classical singers.

Dr. May’s professional engagements reflect a strong emphasis on both performance and academic leadership. He frequently serves as a guest artist, master clinician, and adjudicator for major national organizations such as Classical Singer, NATS, NOA, and MTNA. His students have earned state, regional, national, and international recognition and scholarships.

Professional Recognition:

• Selected for NATS Intern Program (2014)
• Recognized by The American Prize for opera direction
• Recognized by the National Opera Association for opera direction

Dr. May serves in leadership roles including Vice-President of Georgia NATS, Governor for the Southeastern Region of the National Opera Association, and Chair of the Student Programming Committee for NOA. He has directed acclaimed productions such as Die Zauberflöte, Don Giovanni, Falstaff, and Pélleas et Mélisande across the U.S. and Europe. He will direct La Bohème at the Festival of International Opera in Italy in summer 2025.

He maintains an active performance schedule, premiering new works and performing major oratorio roles including Bach’s Magnificat, Mozart’s Requiem, and Handel’s Messiah. Upcoming appearances include the National Opera Association Convention, Tulane Vocal Arts Festival, and masterclasses at the Classical Singer Convention.