Michelle Murphy DeBruyn

Michelle Murphy DeBruyn serves as Professor at Columbus State University's Schwob School of Music, teaching Studio Voice, Vocal Pedagogy, Yoga for Performers, and Professional Materials for Vocal Performers—a course she developed to prepare students for post-graduate auditions.

Her educational background includes:

• Undergraduate degree in Music Education (piano primary instrument)
• Master of Music (2002) and Doctor of Musical Arts (2005) in Vocal Performance and Literature from Eastman School of Music
• Post-doctoral certifications: Somatic Voicework^TM The LoVetri Method (Levels I-III), McClosky Institute of Voice workshop, Masters of Singing at Westminster Choir College, and advanced yoga teaching credentials (500-hour total)

Dr. DeBruyn's research centers on vocal physiology, expressive singing techniques, and musician wellness. She pioneers integrative approaches connecting vocal pedagogy with yoga/meditation practices and explores technique convergence between singers and wind instrumentalists, emphasizing injury prevention and artistic expression.

Her scholarly output trends toward holistic performer development, exemplified by her 2020 book chapter on meditation for vocalists, which bridges mindfulness practices with technical vocal training to enhance stage presence and resilience.

Professional recognitions include:

• NATS Emerging Leaders Award (2010)
• College of the Arts Regents Teaching Award (2016)
• Georgia NATSAA victory (2008) and NATS Artist Award semi-finalist (2006)
• Faculty Writing Fellowship (2013-14) and College of the Arts Teaching Award (2013)

As an advisor, she has mentored students to NATS and MTNA competition victories at state, regional, and national levels, with graduates performing at the Metropolitan Opera and attending elite programs including Eastman School of Music and Manhattan School of Music. Her leadership extends to NATS chapter presidency (2017-18) and music direction for award-nominated theater productions like Caroline, or Change.

Dr. DeBruyn actively performs contemporary art song repertoire, premiering works by living composers including James Ogburn and Missy Mazzoli, while touring Taiwan with recitals focused on Schumann lieder and modern women composers. Her yoga workshops specifically address musicians' physiological needs through tailored movement and breathwork practices.