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Cynthia Donnell serves as an Associate Professor of Voice and Lyric Diction in the Department of Music at Virginia Commonwealth University. Her educational background includes: Master of Music (M.M.) from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro Bachelor of Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro As a mezzo-soprano, Professor Donnell maintains an active performance career spanning recital, opera, choral, oratorio, and orchestral repertoire. Her expertise centers on vocal technique, linguistic precision in singing, and classical interpretation across diverse musical traditions. She has performed with major ensembles including the North Carolina Symphony, Richmond Symphony, Virginia Opera, and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. Her professional recognition includes winning the Seventh International Sterling Staff Competition, which facilitated over 25 solo recitals nationwide. She actively contributes to music education through leadership in the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), having served as officer and board member for the Virginia Chapter.

• Voice
• Lyric Diction
• Classical Singing
• +3 more

David Schubert serves as Professor of Voice and Department Chair in the School of Music at Wittenberg University, joining the faculty in 2007. He holds a D.M.A. from the University of Oklahoma and degrees from Baldwin-Wallace College and Boston University. His educational background: Baldwin-Wallace College Boston University University of Oklahoma, D.M.A. A distinguished baritone, Schubert specializes in English art song (particularly Gerald Finzi) and German Lieder, with extensive performance experience in opera roles including Faust and Don Giovanni. His research integrates vocal pedagogy with historical performance practices, emphasizing lyric diction and art song repertoire. He actively collaborates through the Doscher Vocal Quartet and international projects focused on United Kingdom music. Honors include the competitive 1994 NATS Internship Program selection. As Department Chair, he oversees curriculum development while maintaining an active performance schedule, including premieres like David Caudill's The Shepherd's Story. His mentorship extends to vocal coaching with renowned artists including George Shirley and John Wustman.

• Vocal Performance
• Opera
• Art Song
• +3 more

Maria Briggs is an Associate Professor of Voice in the Music Department at California State University, Fresno (Fresno State), part of the College of Arts and Humanities. She joined the university in August 2016 as an Assistant Professor and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2020. Dr. Briggs maintains an active performance career alongside her academic work, serving as artistic director of the "Marianna Ensemble" and creator/director of the Fresno State Art Song Festival. Dr. Briggs' educational background includes: Doctor of Musical Arts from Sydney Conservatorium of Music and Royal Northern College of Music, UK Masters in Music from Newcastle Conservatorium of Music Bachelor of Music from Sydney Conservatorium of Music As a Russian-born Australian soprano, Dr. Briggs specializes in vocal pedagogy, opera training, and performance. Her research focuses on the training and development of young opera singers, with particular expertise in Russian and Australian vocal repertoire. She has published extensively on opera industry trends, vocal pedagogy, and the impact of contemporary issues like the #MeToo movement and the COVID-19 pandemic on the performing arts. Dr. Briggs' scholarly work demonstrates a consistent focus on the evolving landscape of opera education and performance. Her recent publications address contemporary challenges facing opera singers, from pandemic adaptations to work-life balance issues for performers with families. She also maintains a strong interest in cultural aspects of vocal music, particularly Russian art song as evidenced by her 2022 album "Winter Evening." Dr. Briggs has received numerous accolades throughout her career: Australian finalist of the Covent Garden Young Artist scholarship Lady Fairfax NY scholarship finalist Australian National Aria award finalist Winner of Australian MIETTA recital award in 2008 1st Prize in the Doug Davis competition, 2023 As an educator, Dr. Briggs has directed multiple opera productions at Fresno State including Strauss' "Die Fledermaus" and Humperdinck's "Hansel and Gretel." She has performed major works with the Fresno State Symphony Orchestra, including Richard Strauss's Four Last Songs and Tchaikowsky's Tatiana in Eugene Onegin. Her teaching encompasses Applied Voice, Lyric Diction, Vocal Workshop, Opera, Music Theory, and Ear Training. Dr. Briggs serves as artistic director of the "Marianna Ensemble," a cross-disciplinary quartet that performs her original compositions, Jazz, and world music. The ensemble is featured on the Blue Pie Records label. She also founded and directs the Fresno State Art Song Festival, a cross-cultural event that includes performances, masterclasses, composition competitions, and student showcases.

• Classical Vocal Pedagogy and Repertoire
• Opera and Opera training
• Directing Opera
• +5 more

Catherine McDaniel, DMA, is an Associate Professor of Voice at the Bass School of Music, Oklahoma City University. She specializes in operatic performance and vocal pedagogy, with a focus on classical voice, oratorio, and new vocal works. Her teaching includes studio voice and lyric diction. Education: B.M. and M.M. in Voice from Stephen F. Austin State University; D.M.A. in Vocal Performance from the University of Oklahoma, with a dissertation analyzing Edward Knight's Tales Not Told . Professional affiliations include Pi Kappa Lambda, Mu Phi Epsilon, Phi Kappa Phi, and the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Research interests emphasize performance of major operatic roles, oratorio works (e.g., Verdi’s Requiem , Handel’s Messiah ), and championing new vocal compositions. She has performed with organizations such as the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Fort Smith Symphony Orchestra, and Painted Sky Opera. Awards highlight her competitive success in Metropolitan Opera Auditions and NATA competitions. Students have pursued careers in national tours, major opera companies, and advanced degrees at institutions like New England Conservatory and the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

• Operatic Performance
• Classical Voice
• Vocal Pedagogy
• +3 more

Elizabeth Byrum Linnartz is an Instructor of Music at Duke University’s Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. She specializes in voice pedagogy, performance, and interdisciplinary collaborations, including work with Duke Divinity School on music’s role in worship. Her teaching spans undergraduate and advanced vocal studies, while her performances blend classical repertoire with contemporary interdisciplinary projects. Education: D.M.A., University of North Carolina, Greensboro (2004) M.Mus., University of North Carolina, Greensboro (1980) B.A., Duke University (1978) Research & Performance Focus: Linnartz explores vocal technique, music history, and theological dimensions of music. She emphasizes diction, interpretation of German, French, and English art songs, and the intersection of music with corporate worship. Recent projects include Sunlight I Cannot See (a collaborative journey through desolation and hope) and performances of Britten’s Holy Sonnets of John Donne with Divinity faculty. Service & Leadership: She has served as Treasurer for the Mid-Atlantic Region of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) and adjudicated competitions at regional and national levels for over two decades. Her workshops focus on vocal technique and theological music interpretation. Labs/Teams: Collaborations include Duke Divinity School, NC Central University, and community choirs in Raleigh/Durham. She frequently partners with pianists and ensembles for recitals and large-scale works.

• Music Education
• Vocal Performance
• Music History
• +3 more

Amanda Johnston is Professor of Music at the University of Mississippi and Instructor of German at the Academy of Vocal Arts, serving as Music Director for Opera Theatre. A specialist in lyric diction and vocal coaching, she authored the widely-used textbook English and German Diction for Singers: A Comparative Approach . Her performance career spans international venues in Europe, Asia, and North America with broadcasts on CBC Radio, NPR, and commercial recordings. Pedagogical research focuses on comparative diction pedagogy and performance practices. Administrative roles include former Head of Collaborative Piano at Musiktheater Bavaria (2013-2023) and Editor-in-Chief of the National Opera Association's Opera Journal.

• Collaborative Piano
• Lyric Diction
• Vocal Coaching
• +2 more

Nikolas Nackley is a Lecturer in the School of Music at San Francisco State University, specializing in Classical Voice. He holds a Master of Music (M.M.) from the New England Conservatory of Music and focuses on Opera Workshop, Private Voice Instruction, and Lyric Diction. His performances have been praised by the Boston Globe for his 'beautiful voice and acting,' with engagements across the U.S., Europe, and Asia in venues like Boston’s Symphony Hall, Carnegie Hall, and Davies Symphony Hall. He advocates for 'healthy voice, healthy spirit' principles in teaching and performance. His office is located in the Creative Arts Building, Room 144. The School of Music office hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with practice rooms available from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays and limited weekend hours.

• Classical Voice
• Opera
• Music Education
• +2 more

Deborah Williamson is a tenured Professor of Voice at the School of Music, Baylor University. Recognized for her expertise in French Lyric Diction and vocal pedagogy, she authored the textbook A Course in French Lyric Diction and its Instructor’s Manual. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice from the University of North Texas, an Artist Diploma in Opera and Master of Music in Voice from the University of Cincinnati’s College/Conservatory of Music, and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Baylor University. Doctor of Musical Arts (Voice) - University of North Texas Artist Diploma (Opera) - University of Cincinnati College/Conservatory of Music Master of Music (Voice) - University of Cincinnati College/Conservatory of Music Bachelor of Music (Vocal Performance) - Baylor University Her research focuses on French and American vocal literature, diction, and pedagogy, with recent recitals dedicated to works by French and American composers. She founded the Baylor Summer Voice Institute (2017-2019) and served as Chair for the National Student Auditions of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), as well as Governor of the Texoma Region of NATS. Dr. Williamson's students regularly perform in principal roles at Baylor Opera Theater, win regional/national vocal competitions, and pursue careers in musical theater, opera, and music education. She has adjudicated and conducted master classes globally, including at Music in the Marche (Italy), Ghent Conservatory (Belgium), and national conferences in the U.S. Notable scientific award: 2016-2017 Baylor University Outstanding Professor for Teaching Her performance history includes principal roles with orchestras such as the Little Orchestra Society in New York and the Brabant Symphony in Belgium, solo recitals across Europe and the U.S., and telecast performances like Monica in Menotti's The Medium . She has also performed in world premieres, including James Syler's Storyville .

• Vocal Studies
• French Lyric Diction
• Vocal Pedagogy
• +2 more

Cheri Montgomery is an Adjunct Professor at the Blair School of Music, Vanderbilt University, specializing in lyric diction and vocal pedagogy. She holds a B.M. and M.M. from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she also earned scholarships and accolades. Her research focuses on phonetics, inclusive teaching (e.g., braille literacy for singers), and multilingual singing techniques. She has authored influential textbooks like the Lyric Diction Workbook Series and IPA Handbook for Singers . Her presentations span topics such as vowel formation, braille phonetics, and online diction instruction, delivered at conferences like the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) and the International Congress of Voice Teachers. She co-authored Exploring English Lyrics (2024) and pioneered IPA Braille to enhance accessibility for visually impaired singers. Awards: Grace Moore Scholarship, Phi Mu Alpha, NATS First-Place Audition Winner Performance Credits: Operatic roles (Gilda in Rigoletto ), Messiah soloist with Nashville Symphony Publications: Over 5 journal articles in Journal of Singing , multiple textbooks with Oxford, Bloomsbury, and independent publishers. Montgomery’s work bridges vocal technique and language, with recent projects including A Picture Workbook of English Spellings and Phonetics for ELL learners and braille literacy resources adopted by the National Federation of the Blind.

• Lyric Diction
• Vocal Pedagogy
• Music Education
• +5 more

Jessica Ferring Glenn is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Music at The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), where she has taught since 2023. She is a Doctoral Candidate in Voice at the University of North Texas (UNT) under Dr. Stephen F. Austin, having previously earned an MM in Voice Performance and Pedagogy (with distinction) from Westminster Choir College and a BA in Voice Performance from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Education Doctoral Candidate (Voice), University of North Texas MM (Voice Pedagogy & Performance), Rider University (2015) BA (Voice Performance), University of Arkansas Little Rock Glenn specializes in 20th- and 21st-century vocal repertoire, opera, and art song recitals. Her research interests include voice pedagogy, vocal literature, German Lieder, French Mélodie, and lyric diction. She champions new and under-represented composers, with recent collaborations including works by John Harbison, Tonia Ko, and Alan Louis Smith. Glenn’s recent creative activities include performances as Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire (UNT Opera, 2023), Gretel in Hansel and Gretel (Denton County Opera, 2023), and soloist roles in Orff’s Carmina Burana (UTA Symphony Orchestra) and Barber’s Knoxville Summer of 1915 (UNT Orchestra). She has also curated recital projects like Things Unexpected and An Evening of Song Inspired by Poetry Written by Women . Scientific Awards Fellow at SongFest (2023) Donaghey Scholar, University of Arkansas at Little Rock At UTA, Glenn teaches courses in German/English diction, vocal literature, and private voice lessons. She previously served as a Teaching Fellow in Voice at UNT (2020–2023) and as Director of Voice at Vivaldi Music Academy (Houston, TX, 2016–2020), where she mentored private students and developed curriculum in vocal pedagogy.

• Voice Pedagogy
• Voice Science
• Vocal Literature
• +8 more

Mary Kathryn Brewer serves as Assistant Professor of Music at Taylor University, affiliated with the Smith-Hermanson Music Center and actively involved in the Musical Theatre Camp program. Her academic career spans vocal performance instruction, research, and performance across multiple institutions. Her educational foundation includes: Doctor of Arts (DA) in Voice Performance—Speech-Language Pathology from Ball State University Master of Music (MM) in Voice Performance from Bowling Green State University Bachelor of Music (BM) in Voice Performance from Anderson University Dr. Brewer specializes in the art songs of Giuseppe Verdi, lyric diction, and vocal pedagogy, with research emphasizing historical performance practices and linguistic precision in vocal repertoire. Her scholarly contributions include developing Open Educational Resources for lyric diction (2022) and German Lieder (2024), addressing critical gaps in vocal training materials. Recent publications demonstrate concentrated expertise in Verdi's vocal works and German art song traditions, reflecting her lecture recitals performed across U.S. universities and Guam. Her performance career includes solo engagements with orchestras in Indiana and Colorado, bridging academic research with professional artistry. Outside academia, Dr. Brewer pursues miniature creation and travels with her husband Erich and Yorkshire terrier Moose.

• Voice Performance
• Art Songs
• Lyric Diction
• +3 more

Laura Brundage serves as Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Vocal Studies within the School of Fine Arts and Communication at Bob Jones University. Her instructional responsibilities include Concert Choir (Ens 104), Introduction to Diction for Singers (Vo 250), Lyric Choir (Ens 102), and private voice instruction for majors (Vo 491, Vo 492) and non-majors (Vo 291). Her educational foundation includes a Master of Music in Voice Performance and Bachelor of Music in Church Music - Piano, both from Bob Jones University. She has advanced her expertise through studies at NYSTA, Northwestern University, and Shenandoah University's CCM Institute, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Music Education (DME) at Liberty University. Brundage maintains an active performance career spanning major classical works including Vivaldi's Gloria , Fauré's Requiem , Handel's Messiah , Brahms' Requiem , and Mozart's Requiem , alongside theatrical roles such as "Beth" in Little Women: The Broadway Musical and "Belle" in A Christmas Carol . She directs the BJU Lyric Choir and holds leadership roles as Executive Director of the award-winning Rivertree Singers (featured at Piccolo Spoleto Festival and ACDA conferences since 2019) and Artistic Director of the Greenville Youth Chorale serving 100+ young singers. As an active NATS and ACDA member, her professional activities demonstrate sustained commitment to vocal pedagogy and community music engagement.

• Voice Performance
• Choral Conducting
• Music Education
• +3 more

Lina Ferreira Cabeza-Vanegas is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English at the University of Chicago. Her academic focus bridges creative writing and literary translation, with research interests in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and adaptation as form. Education: Not explicitly stated in provided text Awards: Best of the Net award, Iron Horse Review’s Discovered Voices award, Pushcart Prize nomination (x2), Rona Jaffe fellowship Her publications include the forthcoming essay anthology Essaying the Americas (Mad Creek Books, 2020), Don’t Come Back (Ohio State University Press, 2017), and Drown/Sever/Sing (Anomalous Press, 2015). She has taught courses such as Advanced Essay Workshop ( The Great American Essay ), Technical Seminar ( Narrative Pacing ), and Arts Core ( Reading as a Writer: Adaptation as Form ). Recent works explore transnational narratives, mythological reinterpretation, and experimental essay structures. Notable contributions include "Borders" (The Believer, 2019), "Thinking It Was Something They Could Hunt and Kill" (Journal of Speculative Nonfiction, 2018), and "Tinfoil Astronaut" (Sunday Rumpus, 2016). Her teaching emphasizes narrative pacing, adaptation genealogy, and the boundaries of literary nonfiction. Scientific Awards: Best of the Net award Iron Horse Review’s Discovered Voices award Pushcart Prize nomination (x2) Rona Jaffe fellowship Ferreira Cabeza-Vanegas has advised graduate and undergraduate projects that have evolved into published books, covering themes of war, disability, sexual assault, and cultural exploration. Her work with 100 Refutations (Brooklyn Rail & InTranslation, 2018) demonstrates commitment to Latin American literary voices and translational activism.

• Creative Writing
• Literary Nonfiction
• Poetry
• +4 more

Gustavo Castro-Ramirez is a Vocal Coach and Accompanist at the University of Oregon's School of Music and Dance (SOMD). He serves as Instructor of Undergraduate Lyric Diction and Ballet Accompanist, with a career spanning over two decades in opera, vocal coaching, and collaborative piano. Doctor of Musical Arts, University of Texas at Austin (Opera Coaching) Master of Music, Florida State University (Piano Accompanying, Opera Production) Master of Music, University of Costa Rica (Piano Performance) Superior Diploma, National Conservatory of Strasbourg (Chamber Music) His expertise lies in vocal coaching, operatic production, and collaborative piano performance. He co-founded Opera Nova Costa Rica, a summer training program for emerging opera singers, and contributes to art song repertoires by underrepresented composers through projects like Art Song Augmented. Research interests include cross-cultural operatic identity, lyric diction pedagogy, and ballet accompaniment techniques. Castro's publications focus on operatic adaptations and cultural identity in performances like Bizet's Carmen. His collaborative work spans genres from classical to contemporary, with contributions to chamber opera production and vocal competitions. Scientific Awards NOA Twenty-eighth Scholarly Papers Competition (2012) In his teaching roles at institutions including the University of Idaho, University of Central Missouri, and University of Costa Rica, he has mentored students in vocal technique and operatic interpretation. He currently serves as a SOMD faculty member, adjudicator for National Opera Association competitions, and board member of the Kenyan Classical Singers Organization. Castro's performance history includes over 50 operatic productions across the United States, Central America, and France, with a long-standing duet partnership with contralto Dr. Karen Esquivel since 1997. He also contributes to ballet pedagogy through accompaniment for dance departments at Lane Community College and the University of Oregon.

• Vocal Coaching
• Opera Production
• Collaborative Piano
• +4 more

James Haffner is a Professor of Opera at the University of the Pacific's Conservatory of Music and Director of Pacific Opera Theatre. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in Directing and an Artist's Diploma in Opera Stage Directing from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. A Fulbright Scholar, he has taught internationally and served as Producing Artistic Director of the Stockton Opera Association since 2007. Education: BA, Baldwin-Wallace University; AD/MFA, Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music His research focuses on opera production, stage directing techniques (particularly Michael Chekhov's method), and historical performance practices. Notable works include La Cenerentola (National Opera Association award winner), Berlin to Broadway with Kurt Weill , and the German premiere of A Bright Room Called Day . He has directed at the Berliner Ensemble and Berlin Museumsinsel Fest. Teaching responsibilities include Opera Theatre Workshop, Lyric Diction, and Opera Literature. His productions emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration and cultural relevance. Awards: Kennedy Center/ACTF Finalist, Fulbright Scholar, National Opera Association Recognition Professional activities include work with the Bay View and Bear Valley Music Festivals, Lincoln Center Directors' Lab-West, and adjudication for the Irene Dalis Vocal Competition.

• Opera Production
• Stage Directing
• Michael Chekhov Acting Technique
• +3 more