Find Academic Supervisors

Milena KiticView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Opera
• Vocal Performance
• Music Education

Milena Kitic is an internationally renowned mezzo-soprano and adjunct professor at Chapman University's College of Performing Arts. She serves as Artist-in-Residence and master class instructor, specializing in vocal performance and opera education. Additionally, she is Chair of Artistic Excellence at LA Opera and maintains a private vocal studio in Newport Beach, CA. Performs globally in major opera roles Teaches at Chapman University and Orange County Ars Vocalis Academy Advocates for cultural philanthropy Research Interests: Her work focuses on operatic performance, vocal technique, and interdisciplinary approaches to singing, acting, and dance. She emphasizes cultural authenticity in roles like Carmen, integrating flamenco training into her performances. Awards: Notable honors include the German Music Critic's Award (1998), Opera Pacific Guild's Diva of the Year (2005), and the establishment of a vocal competition prize bearing her name. Teaching & Philanthropy: Kitic mentors students at Chapman University and Newport Harbor High School, while donating to young artist programs in California and Florida. She founded a vocal performance major at Chapman University and frequently contributes to fundraising efforts for opera institutions.

Kyla McCarrelView profile

Lecturer

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

Kyla McCarrel is a Lecturer at the Conservatory of Music within Chapman University’s College of Performing Arts since 2018. She teaches private voice lessons and previously conducted the University Treble Choir (2018–2022). As an alumna of Chapman University and Arizona State University, she bridges her academic background with active performance and pedagogical roles. Education: Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Music Education (pre-certification) from Chapman University Master of Music in Opera Performance from Arizona State University Her research and professional focus centers on vocal pedagogy, operatic performance, and choral conducting. As a performer, Kyla has appeared in roles such as Publio in Il Sogno di Scipione , Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte , and Baby Doe in The Ballad of Baby Doe , alongside concert soloist engagements including Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana and works by Beethoven, Honegger, and Bach. At Chapman, she contributes to the Vocal Music Camp and maintains affiliations with Opera Chapman as a guest artist, blending education with practical performance experience.

Erin TheodorakisView profile

Lecturer

• Music Education
• Choral Music
• Opera Performance
• +3 more

Erin Theodorakis is a Lecturer at Chapman University's Conservatory of Music within the College of Performing Arts. As an accomplished music educator, performer, and vocal arranger, she combines classical opera training with contemporary a cappella expertise. M.A. in Operatic Voice Performance (Rice University) - Recipient of Shepherd School Provost Award B.M. in Vocal Performance & Music Education (Chapman University) Her research interests focus on music as storytelling and the intersection of vocal pedagogy with practical performance training. She emphasizes whole-body vocal technique and understanding of the vocal mechanism in her teaching. Award highlights include: Four consecutive first places in NATS Los Angeles Competition (2014-2017) District recognition in Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition (2021) Encouragement award at Metropolitan Opera regional level (2021) Theodorakis maintains an active performance career with Pacific Chorale and Parnassus Society, while running a private voice studio since 2015. She serves as University Treble Choir conductor and leads award-winning high school a cappella group Titanium at Tesoro High School.

• Voice Training
• Music Theatre
• Opera
• +3 more

Annette Reifig is a teaching staff member at Folkwang University of the Arts, specializing in Voice and Music Theatre within the College for Music and Art. She contributes to artistic education through roles in vocal training and Correpetition , supporting students in operatic and musical theatre performance contexts. Her research interests span Voice pedagogy Opera performance Music theatre education Performance coaching Vocal accompaniment Musical interpretation Email: anette.reifig@folkwang-uni.de

• Music Theatre
• Voice
• Opera Coaching
• +3 more

Desar Sulejmani serves as a Lecturer at Folkwang University of the Arts within Faculty 3, based at the Bochum Campus which houses the Folkwang Theatre Centre. Their dual role encompasses Voice and Music Theatre instruction alongside Correpetition duties—providing piano accompaniment and vocal coaching for music theatre productions and rehearsals. Sulejmani's artistic focus centers on performer development through: Vocal technique refinement for theatrical contexts Interpretive coaching in operatic and musical theatre repertoire Collaborative piano artistry for singer-actor partnerships Stagecraft integration with musical expression Dramatic text analysis for performance authenticity Rehearsal methodology for ensemble cohesion As a core teaching staff member, they contribute to the university's mission of interdisciplinary arts education within Germany's premier performing arts institution, directly shaping students' artistic growth in music theatre disciplines.

• Music Theatre
• Opera
• Vocal Performance
• +3 more

Caroline Schreiber is a teaching staff member at Folkwang University of the Arts , affiliated with the College for Music and Art . Her academic focus lies in Voice , Music Theatre , and Basic Scenic Training . Her research and teaching interests center on performing arts , particularly in vocal performance and scenic interpretation . She specializes in foundational training for music theatre and role studies, contributing to the artistic development of students in operatic and theatrical contexts.

Taimo ToomastView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Opera
• Classical Music
• Vocal Performance
• +2 more

Taimo Toomast serves as Senior Lecturer in Voice at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre (EAMT), where he has been a faculty member since 2009. He is affiliated with the Classical Music Performance school within the Voice department and maintains an active dual career as both educator and performer, having worked as a guest soloist at the Estonian National Opera and Vanemuine Theatre since 2010. His educational background includes: Graduated from Tallinn State Conservatory in 1989 (singing class of Teo Maiste and chamber singing class of Frieda Bernstein) Savonlinna summer courses (1987) Kangasniemi summer courses (1988) Vienna State Opera Studio (1990-1991) Vienna Conservatory (1990-1992) Advanced studies in Germany with Athe Parsi and Georg Fortune Toomast's research and performance interests center on vocal technique, operatic repertoire across multiple languages, and European classical traditions. His pedagogical approach integrates decades of international stage experience with technical vocal training, emphasizing both artistic interpretation and physiological aspects of singing. His professional performance career spans major European opera houses, with significant tenures at the Vienna State Opera, Vienna Chamber Opera, Coburg Landestheater, and Dessau Anhaltisches Theater across a 12-year period in Germany, plus additional guest appearances throughout Germany and Spain. Toomast has maintained teaching positions alongside his performance career, demonstrating commitment to vocal pedagogy and the transmission of European operatic traditions to new generations of Estonian singers. Outside of his professional life, Toomast is married to Vilja Savisaar-Toomast since 2010 and has three children: Elisabeth Leach (née Toomast), Sophie-Marie Toomast, and Tristan-Tobias Toomast.

• Opera
• Vocal Accompaniment
• Classical Music
• +3 more

Ave Wagner is a Senior Lecturer in the Opera Studio and Accompaniment department at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre (EAMT), specializing in classical music performance and vocal pedagogy. Their role involves mentoring students in operatic and instrumental accompaniment techniques within the College of Classical Music Performance. Research Interests: Focus on opera, vocal accompaniment, classical music, and performance-based pedagogy. Contact: ave.wagner@eamt.ee

Andres HeinapuuView profile

Lecturer

• Choral Conducting
• Baroque Music
• Music Pedagogy
• +3 more

Andres Heinapuu is a Lecturer in Choral Conducting at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre (EAMT). He is also a renowned conductor, choirmaster, and pedagogue active in Estonia since the 1980s. His career spans roles with major Estonian institutions such as Vanemuine (1985–90), Estonia (1990–96, 2000–07), and the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre Symphony Orchestra and Female Choir (1990–95). He has conducted award-winning choirs, including a gold medal at the Arezzo International Competition (1993). Education: Georg Ots Tallinn Music School (1977, choral conducting), Tallinn State Conservatory (1982, orchestral conducting), Leningrad Conservatory (1985, orchestral conducting), Royal Conservatory of The Hague (1999, baroque singing). Key Roles: Lecturer at EAMT (1999–present), conductor of Viva Musica female choir (2010–present), and chorister in the Savonlinna Opera Festival Choir (2001–present). His research and practice focus on choral conducting, baroque music, and vocal performance. He has collaborated extensively with Estonian and international ensembles, emphasizing classical and operatic traditions. Scientific Awards 3rd place in the Republican Competition for Young Choir Conductors (1982) Estonian Theatre Union Young Musician Award (1988) Andres Heinapuu has also contributed to music education and cultural projects, including recordings like Through the Seasons (2011) with the Tallinn University of Technology Alumni Female Choir.

• Music Theory
• Music Analysis
• Estonian Music
• +5 more

Aare Tool is a part-time Lecturer in Musicology at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre , holding concurrent roles as a Research Fellow since 2017. With a doctorate and Master’s in Musicology from EAMT, he specializes in 20th-century music theory, Estonian composers, and the reception of jazz/popular music in interwar media. Education Doctorate (2016): Limited Transposable Sound Lines in Eduard Oja's Music (EAMT) Master’s (2011): Form and Harmony in Eduard Oja's Symphonic Works (EAMT) Bachelor’s (2010): Musicology & Instrumental Pedagogy (EAMT) Research Interests center on music theory , modernism , and cultural mediation , with specific focus on: 20th-century Estonian composers (e.g., Eduard Oja, Heino Eller) Adorno’s radio theories applied to digital media Solar symbolism in Nordic-Scandinavian music Jazz/popular music integration in Baltic contexts Neo-mythologism in Pärt, Tormis, and Kutavičius Publications (134+) span from 2011, including analyses of Eduard Oja’s compositional systems and articles on jazz reception in Estonian journalism. His recent work examines streaming media’s musical physiognomy and mythologems in Arvo Pärt’s visual representations. Awards include: 2017 Certificate of Appreciation, Estonian Student Research Competition 2017 Estonian Cultural Capital Annual Award Currently leading a €80,000 project to catalog Heino Eller’s works with the Estonian Ministry of Culture.

Lauren CurnowView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Opera
• Classical Music
• Musical Theater
• +2 more

Lauren Curnow serves as an Adjunct Professor of Voice in the School of Performing Arts at DeSales University. A versatile mezzo soprano, she bridges classical opera, musical theater, and contemporary performance traditions with exceptional dramatic range. Her academic foundation includes: Doctoral candidate in Vocal Performance, Mason Gross School of Music, Rutgers University Master of Music, The Juilliard School Master of Opera Performance, The Curtis Institute of Music Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts and English, Muhlenberg College Ms. Curnow maintains an active international performance career spanning major opera houses and festivals. Her repertoire demonstrates deep expertise in 19th-20th century operatic works and symphonic literature, with recent portrayals including Angelina in Rossini's La Cenerentola and Anna Maurrant in Kurt Weill's Street Scene . She has performed eight mainstage roles with The Lyric Opera of Chicago and collaborated with conductors including Seiji Ozawa and Sir Andrew Davis at venues like Florence's Maggio Musicale Fiorentino and Japan's Saito-Kinen Festival. Her teaching philosophy integrates rigorous classical training with contemporary theatrical expression, preparing students for diverse vocal careers across multiple performance genres.

Aloysius FoongView profile

Lecturer

• Musical Theatre
• Opera
• Actor-Musician Correlation
• +3 more

Aloysius Foong is a Lecturer at LASALLE College of the Arts in Singapore, specializing in musical theatre and opera. He holds a Master of Music (Distinction) from Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (2012) and a BA (Hons) in Music (First Class Honours) from LASALLE College of the Arts. As a multidisciplinary artist, he works as a musician, educator, music director, composer, and arranger. Education Master of Music (Distinction), Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (2012) BA (Hons) Music (First Class Honours), LASALLE College of the Arts His research and practice focus on the correlation between acting and musicianship, exploring the actor-muso style of performance where the actor is also the musician. He guides students at LASALLE to develop original works like cabarets and mini-musicals, emphasizing storytelling through music and collaborative execution. Aloysius’s recent publications and projects highlight trends in contemporary classical music, piano sonata analysis, and political influences in compositions, such as Neo-Populism in Frederic Rzewski’s work. His articles reflect his academic engagement with modern musical techniques and interdisciplinary performance studies. Scientific Awards McNally Award for Excellence in the Arts (2010) MMUS Prize for Excellence in Academics (Masters) (2012) Edward Brooks English Song Prize (1st Prize) (2012) He has served as a music director, répétiteur, and accompanist for numerous operatic and musical productions across Singapore, including works with Singapore Lyric Opera, L’Arietta Productions, and the National Day Parade. His roles often combine mentorship, curation, and creative direction, particularly in educational and festival settings.

• Composition
• Film Music
• Opera
• +2 more

Paweł Mykietyn (born May 20, 1971) is a lecturer at the Faculty of Conducting, Composition and Music Theory at the Stanisław Moniuszko Academy of Music in Gdańsk. He is a renowned Polish composer whose works span orchestral, chamber, electroacoustic, and operatic genres, and have been performed at major international festivals including Warsaw Autumn and Midem Classique. His educational background includes: Diploma from the Fryderyk Chopin Academy of Music in 1997 under Professor Włodzimierz Kotoński International Summer Courses for Young Composers in Kazimierz nad Wisłą (1991-1993) Gaudeamus Music Week in Amsterdam (1992) with lectures by Lutosławski, Penderecki, and Górecki Mykietyn's creative focus centers on contemporary composition with distinctive contributions to electroacoustic experimentation, film scoring, and large-scale operatic works. His style synthesizes Polish avant-garde traditions with international modernist influences, particularly evident in his award-winning film scores and theatrical collaborations. Analysis of his compositional output from 1993-2015 reveals an evolution from chamber works toward complex operatic productions, consistently characterized by technical innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration. His film music for directors like Jerzy Skolimowski demonstrates exceptional narrative integration, earning international recognition including the Prix France Musique Sacem. Major honors include: UNESCO International Rostrum First Place awards (1995, 1996) Knight's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta (2011) Prix France Musique Sacem for Essential Killing (2012) Coryphaeus Muzyki Polskiej opera award (2015) Mykietyn maintains significant artistic leadership through founding the Nonstrom ensemble (1990-2005) and serving as music director at Warsaw's Nowy Teatr since 2008. His extensive collaborations with ensembles like Kronos Quartet and conductors including Jacek Kaspszyk demonstrate his central role in contemporary music performance. Current projects focus on theatrical music direction and new compositions for international festivals.

• Music Conducting
• Orchestral Music
• Opera
• +2 more

Marcin Nałęcz-Niesiołowski serves as Professor in the Faculty of Conducting, Composition and Music Theory at the Stanisław Moniuszko Academy of Music in Gdańsk. A distinguished conductor and singer born in Gdynia (1972), he has held major leadership positions including General and Artistic Director of the Białystok Philharmonic (1997-2011) and Director of the Wrocław Opera (2016-2019), with performances spanning Europe, the Americas, and North Africa. Educated at the Fryderyk Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw, he graduated with distinction in 1996 under Professor Bogusław Madey. He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 2007 and habilitation (postdoctoral degree) in 2010 from the same institution, solidifying his academic credentials in music performance. His professional focus encompasses symphonic and operatic conducting across diverse repertoire, from classical masters like Chopin and Tchaikovsky to contemporary Polish composers including Szymanowski and Penderecki. He has premiered new works, recorded award-nominated albums, and performed at prestigious venues such as the European Parliament and Saint Petersburg's Smolny Cathedral, significantly contributing to Poland's musical heritage. Notable honors include: Silver Cross of Merit (2004) Silver Medal for Merit to Culture – Gloria Artis (2006) Minister of Culture's Ad Astra Award (2001) Podlaskie Voivodeship Honorary Badge (2016) Through his directorship of major cultural institutions and artistic collaborations with orchestras including National Philharmonic Orchestra and Sinfonia Varsovia, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership. His work with the Warsaw Chamber Orchestra 'Little Philharmonic' and guest conducting at Teatr Wielki – Polish National Opera since 1999 continues to shape Poland's contemporary music scene.

• Vocal Performance
• Baritone Singing
• Opera
• +2 more

Leszek Skrla is a distinguished Polish baritone singer and professor at the Faculty of Vocal and Acting, Stanisław Moniuszko Academy of Music in Gdańsk. Graduating with distinction from the same institution in 1988, he has performed over 40 operatic leading roles globally and received accolades including the Theatre Award of the Pomeranian Voivodeship . His career highlights include debuts at the Baltic Opera (1988), international collaborations (e.g., Teatro Massimo in Palermo, Staatstheater Nurnberg), and recordings with DUX. He has also contributed to vocal pedagogy since 1987. Awards: 22nd International Anton Dvorak Vocal Competition (1987) Ada Sari Vocal Competition (1988) Professor title from President Komorowski Notable Roles: Figaro ( The Barber of Seville ), Wolfram ( Tannhäuser ), Iago ( Otello ), Scarpia ( Tosca ) Collaborations: UNESCO Hall (Paris), Opera Nova (Bydgoszcz), Krakow Opera Festival