Kelly Burns

Dr. Kelly Burns is an Assistant Professor of Voice and Director of NDSU Opera at the Challey School of Music, North Dakota State University (NDSU). She holds a D.M.A. from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and M.M. and B.M. degrees from the University of Mississippi. Her roles include teaching voice lessons, diction, and conducting, alongside leading the NDSU Opera program.

Research interests focus on promoting underrepresented composers through the Unity Series, which highlights works by women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC artists. She actively performs in operas (e.g., Don Giovanni, Sweeney Todd), concert works (Handel’s Messiah, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony), and chamber music across North America. Her conducting repertoire includes operas like Le nozze di Figaro and musicals such as Hairspray.

Students under her guidance have excelled in competitions like the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and pursue careers in opera, academia, and private instruction. She emphasizes diversity in programming and traditional vocal repertoire.