معرفی
Susan Shiplett Ashbaker is a Professor and Director of Westminster Opera Theatre at Rider University's Westminster Choir College, and Director of the CoOPERAtive Program. With over 40 years in the performing arts, she serves as an artistic advisor, master class presenter, lecturer, and opera/vocal coach, combining expertise in singer career advancement, opera company administration, and higher education. She has taught at institutions including Denyce Graves Foundation, Boston Conservatory, and Curtis Institute of Music.
- Education: Southern Illinois University, École Normale de Musique de Paris, University of Illinois (Master's in Vocal Accompanying and Coaching)
Research interests include vocal performance pedagogy, opera administration, and career development strategies for emerging singers. Her work bridges practical training with institutional leadership in the performing arts.
Notable contributions: Led casting practices at Opera Company of Philadelphia, established intern programs with Curtis Institute of Music, and authored The Vocal Coach Approach: When Practice Makes Perfect.
Professional roles span General/Artistic Director at Tri-Cities Opera, Director of Artistic and Music Administration at Opera Company of Philadelphia, and faculty member at Curtis Institute of Music.
