Mary Frances Ahern Coleman

Mary Frances Ahern Coleman is an Associate Professor of Music Industry and Director of Voice and Choral Activities at Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina. She holds a Doctorate in Vocal Performance from Shenandoah University. Prior to her academic role, she ran Songbird’s Studio, a successful voice studio teaching 30-40 students weekly. Coleman is also a performer, touring with The Emerald Empire Band and serving as a guest soprano soloist at Central United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian. She co-founded Capitol Opera Richmond and contributes to its classical music outreach programs.

Her research and professional interests focus on vocal pedagogy across genres, opera performance, and music industry practices. Notable career highlights include performances with the Richmond Symphony, Virginia Opera, and National Symphony Orchestra, as well as recordings of three albums and collaborations with living composers.

Education: Doctorate in Vocal Performance (Shenandoah University, 2015), Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from Shenandoah University (2009, 2015). She advises students on balancing artistic passion with professional perseverance, emphasizing dedication to music as a lifelong pursuit.