Michael Forest

Michael Forest is an Associate Professor of Voice at Shenandoah University, where he teaches applied voice lessons to undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students. He also serves as the Opera Coordinator for the voice department. A Shenandoah alumnus ('85, '86), Forest performed in prestigious venues such as the Kennedy Center National Symphony and the Metropolitan Opera during his student years, collaborating with renowned artists like Plácido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti. His teaching philosophy emphasizes immersive learning: 'Be a sponge, soak it all in, and don’t be afraid to make a mistake,' he advises current students. Forest’s career bridges performance and education, leveraging his own academic experience to mentor future musicians.