Bernd Valentin is a university professor of solo singing at the Mozarteum University's Department of Vocal Studies, within the School of Music & Art Education. He teaches vocal classes at the university while maintaining an active freelance career as a baritone, performing in opera houses and concert venues worldwide. His engagements include roles at the Hanover State Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Volksoper Wien, and international festivals. Valentin's repertoire spans over 50 roles in operas by composers such as Krenek, Ullmann, Debussy, Berlioz, Bizet, Gluck, Janáček, Puccini, Strauss, and Berg. He specializes in both dramatic and lyric roles, with notable performances in works like 'Les Pêcheurs de Perles' (Bizet), 'LA Wally' (Catalani), and Offenbach's 'Les Contes d'Hoffmann.' He is equally renowned for his song recitals, interpreting major Romantic-era cycles (Schubert's 'Winterreise,' Schumann's 'Dichterliebe,' Wolf's 'Italienisches Liederbuch') and 20th-century works. Valentin regularly collaborates with orchestras such as the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and venues like Berlin's Konzerthaus and Munich's Philharmonie. His pedagogical work includes masterclasses in Austria, Germany, and Spain, emphasizing vocal technique and dramatic interpretation. He has expanded his repertoire through world premieres of contemporary works by composers like Gubaidulina and Sandström, showcasing his commitment to both classical and modern vocal literature.
Peter Douglas is an Assistant Professor of Piano & Collaborative Pianist at UT Southern's School of Arts and Humanities. He teaches applied piano lessons, class piano, music theory, and serves as Director of Music at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Columbia, TN. His performances span the U.S., Europe, and South America. B.M., Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory of Music M.M., Ball State University D.A., Ball State University Research interests focus on collaborative piano techniques, interdisciplinary arts integration, and historical performance practices. Recent work explores connections between piano pedagogy and ballet, as well as underrepresented Baroque repertoire. Prominent engagements include presentations at the Music Teachers National Association Conference and recitals at Concordia University, Augusta University, and Redeemer Lutheran Church. No specific grants or advising information is listed beyond his teaching roles.
Reena Berger Natenberg is a Professor of Piano and Coordinator of Graduate Studies at Pittsburg State University. She holds a Doctorate of Music (D.M.) from Université de Montréal, a Master of Music (M.M.) from the New England Conservatory of Music, and a Bachelor of Music (B.M.) from Tel Aviv University. Her performances span solo recitals and collaborations across North America, Europe, Asia, and South America, including Carnegie Hall and the Hanoi Opera House. She has released a collaborative CD with baritone Patrick Howle, funded by grants from the Kansas Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. Education: D.M., Université de Montréal M.M., New England Conservatory of Music B.M., Tel Aviv University Her pedagogical expertise is renowned, having presented master classes globally. Students under her guidance have won major competitions, performed at Carnegie Hall, and secured teaching positions at prestigious institutions. Natenberg serves as a jury member for regional, national, and international piano competitions.
Professor Karen Burland is a Professor of Applied Music Psychology at the University of Leeds , affiliated with the School of Music within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures . She currently serves as the Faculty Lead for Employability, Opportunity and Ambition. Her research focuses on musical identities, music and wellbeing, audience research, and musicians' career transitions. Her work often intersects with music therapy, creativity in education, and professional development in the arts. Prof. Burland holds a PhD in Music Psychology from the University of Sheffield (2005) and has held leadership roles, including Head of the School of Music (2016–2021). She is a University Student Education Fellow , leading initiatives on student employability perceptions. Her collaborative projects include work with Opera North on professional music careers and partnerships with Curtin University (Australia) on musical identity measures. Her research interests span: Musical identities and their impact on career choices Wellbeing through music therapy and technology Audience experiences in live events Career transitions for musicians Collaborative studio projects in jazz and classical music Her recent publications highlight trends in performer-audience dynamics, music student wellbeing, and employability ecosystems. Notable collaborations include studies on accessibility for visually impaired audiences and functions of music in autism therapy. She actively performs as principal clarinet with Hallam Sinfonia and baritone saxophonist with Saxsational. Awards and Recognition: Uchida Fellowship (2002) Recipient of British Academy and AHRC funding Supervision & Teaching: Teaches music psychology, education, and employability at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Supervises a vibrant cohort of doctoral researchers exploring topics from musical identity to therapeutic landscapes.
Alexander Adams is a classically trained bass-baritone singer, voice teacher, and composer associated with the University of Puget Sound . He holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Puget Sound, where he studied under Dr. Dawn Padula. Education Bachelor of Music, University of Puget Sound Master of Music, University of Southern California Performance Career : Adams has performed notable opera roles including King Balthazar in Amahl and the Night Visitors , Truffaldino in Ariadne auf Naxos , and Sergeant of the Police in Pirates of Penzance . He also participated in the San Jose premiere of Daniel Helfgot and Paul Davies’ atonal opera OURLAND: A Dystopian State (2022). Teaching & Composition : Since 2018, Adams has run a private voice studio and teaches at the University of Puget Sound’s Community Music Department. His pedagogy integrates vocal science and classical techniques. As a composer, he created art songs based on Edgar Allan Poe’s poetry, including A Dream Within a Dream and Annabel Lee , performed by tenor John Riesen.
Sherry Overholt , soprano, is an Assistant Professor of Music at the Conservatory of Music, Purchase College. Her career spans operatic and concert performances, specializing in lyric coloratura roles and contemporary repertoire. She also teaches privately and co-founded the Westchester Summer Vocal Institute and Queens Summer Vocal Institute for high school students. Education Bachelor of Music, University of Miami Master of Music, Yale University Master of Musical Arts, Yale University Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Vocal Performance, Yale University Sherry Overholt's research interests include vocal performance techniques, operatic history, and pedagogy. Her career highlights include guest soloist appearances with the Chamber Orchestra of New York, Tanglewood Festival Orchestra, and international recitals with baritone Lee Velta. She emphasizes contemporary and Neo-Romantic repertoire in her performances and teaching. As an educator, her students have secured roles with prestigious companies like the Metropolitan Opera and won awards in competitions such as the Liederkranz and Metropolitan Council Awards. She is also a recording artist on labels including MSR Classics and Albany Records.
Benjamin Schoening is the Department Head of Music and Professor at the University of North Georgia. He also serves as the Director of Vocal Studies at the institution. Bachelor of Arts in French Horn and Voice Performance, Luther College (2000) Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting, University of Illinois (2003) Doctorate in Musical Arts (DMA) in Vocal Performance, University of Minnesota (2011) Benjamin Schoening specializes in Vocal Performance , Vocal Pedagogy , and Conducting , with a unique focus on the intersection of Music and Presidential Campaigns . He is an accomplished American lyric baritone with extensive performance experience in the U.S., Europe, and South/Central America. His research on music's role in political campaigns has produced publications analyzing legal and cultural dimensions of song usage in elections. His academic work spans multiple decades, reflecting continuous engagement with political and musical discourse. Co-edited You Shook Me All Campaign Long (2018) examining music's evolving role in presidential campaigns Co-authored foundational works on copyright law in political contexts (2016, 2012) Active as vocal soloist with ensembles like Racine Choral Arts Society and White Mountain Symphony Orchestra Experienced conductor with Northland Master Chorale and Bemidji Symphony Orchestra
Nicholas Kilkenny is an Adjunct Professor of Applied Voice at Nazareth University’s School of Music, where he teaches vocal literature and studio courses. He has also held teaching positions at SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music, Houghton University, and Finger Lakes Community College. Education: D.M.A. in Vocal Performance and Literature (Pedagogy minor), Eastman School of Music M.M. in Vocal Performance and Literature, Eastman School of Music B.M. in Music Education, SUNY Buffalo State University Dr. Kilkenny is a versatile performer with extensive classical and contemporary experience. He has performed operatic roles ranging from comedic (Bartolo in Le nozze di Figaro ) to tragic (Renato in Un ballo in maschera ) and premiered roles in new works like David Glen Nettles’ The Fall of Stag Lee . He has collaborated with companies such as Buffalo Opera Unlimited and Eastman Opera Theater, including a Carnegie Hall debut in 2014. His concert repertoire includes bass/baritone solos in iconic works like Handel’s Messiah , Bach’s St. Matthew Passion , and Mozart’s Requiem . Beyond opera, he freelances as a contemporary musician, playing guitar, bass, and keyboards in musical theater and live venues. Scientific Awards: Finalist, Friends of Eastman Opera Theater Competition William McIver Award for Excellence in Teaching (2014) Nicholas emphasizes personalized curricula blending pedagogy, classical/contemporary performance, and stagecraft. He advocates for new opera works, including premieres of roles in Shot! and Twelfth Night adaptations.
Antoine AMNOTTE-DUPUIS is a Lecturer at the Faculty of Arts and Science within the Department of Art History, Cinema, and Audiovisual Media at Université de Montréal. He is also a doctoral candidate in the same department. His work bridges experimental film, sound art, and interdisciplinary media, focusing on audiovisual creation through hybrid analog/digital techniques. Key projects include A middle region (2023 VR experimental film), By Force of Wear (2021 documentary exploring material degradation), and Rose Drummond (2022 tribute to Quebec land art). Research interests span experimental cinema, soundscapes, and collaborative multimedia projects with artists like Bascaille percussion trio. Notable awards include selections at Alchemy Film Festival (2022) and FIFA Experimental (2023). Collaborations involve institutions such as the Université de Montréal’s La Création Sonore lab and Canada Council for the Arts-funded projects. His installations have been exhibited at Louise and Reuben Cohen Art Gallery (Moncton) and Studio Élène Tremblay (Montreal).
Steven Taylor is the Dean of the School of Music and Professor of Music at Colorado Christian University, within the College of Undergraduate Studies. He is a baritone renowned for his expressive singing and dramatic interpretations across opera, oratorio, musical theatre, and gospel music. M.A. in Vocal Performance, University of Denver B.M. in Vocal Performance, University of Denver His artistic career spans major symphonies in the western U.S., Central City Opera, Opera Theatre of the Rockies, Boulder's Dinner Theatre, and 16 seasons with Opera Colorado. He is also a member of the internationally acclaimed Gospel Quartet LEGACY, with concert tours across Australia, Canada, Cuba, and South Korea. Taylor's work reflects a deep integration of performance and academic leadership in music. His performance repertoire demonstrates expertise in vocal artistry, dramatic expression, and cross-genre versatility, particularly in classical and sacred music traditions. While no scientific publications or research grants are listed, his professional performances serve as artistic scholarship. His leadership in the School of Music underscores a commitment to music education and performance excellence. Dean of the School of Music, CCU Performed with Opera Colorado for 16 seasons International concert tours with Gospel Quartet LEGACY He has not advised any named students in the provided text, nor received listed awards. No research labs or collaborative teams are mentioned beyond his ensemble work with LEGACY.
Chris A. Thompson is Professor of Music (Voice) and Musical Director of MSU Opera at Missouri State University, where he is a central figure in the Department of Music within the College of Arts and Letters. He teaches voice performance and song literature at both undergraduate and graduate levels, mentoring a distinguished cohort of singers who have earned national recognition. Dr. Thompson earned his BME from Kansas State University, MM from Loyola University, DMA from the University of Kansas, and a Performance Certificate from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. His training has grounded a multifaceted career bridging performance, pedagogy, and artistic direction. His research and artistic interests focus on voice performance, opera, vocal pedagogy, and the advancement of new music. A lyric baritone acclaimed by Gramophone and Opera News , he has performed over 75 roles across opera, operetta, and musical theatre. He is particularly noted for his interpretation of Schubert’s Winterreise and has premiered numerous contemporary works, including at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. While no traditional academic articles are listed, his creative output as a performer and recording artist demonstrates deep scholarly engagement with vocal repertoire, especially in song cycles and operatic literature. His performances have been released on labels such as Naxos, Albany Records, and Original Cast Recordings. Presser Scholar - Zach Zielinski, 2021 Presser Scholar - Shayne Piles, 2019 1st Place, NATS National Competition - Matthew Juhlin, 2022 1st Place, NATS National Competition - Giovanni Valforte, 2022 1st Place, NATS National Competition - Shayne Piles, 2017 1st Place, NATS National Competition - Shayne Piles, 2016 2nd Place, NATS National Competition - Jan Veljak, 2023 2nd Place, NATS National Competition - Shayne Piles, 2019 3rd Place, NATS National Competition - Matthew Juhlin, 2023 3rd Place, NATS National Competition - Giovanni Valforte, 2023 MSU Concerto/Aria Winner - Loriana Zavala, 2014 MSU Concerto/Aria Winner - Traci Pritchard, 2014 MSU Concerto/Aria Winner - Jia Ling, 2013 MSU Concerto/Aria Winner - Josh Markley, 2012 Dr. Thompson has advised numerous students who have gone on to win national awards and scholarships, particularly through the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) and the Presser Foundation. Though no grants are explicitly mentioned, his students’ success and his own performance engagements suggest active support for student development and professional mentorship. He serves as musical director of MSU Opera, providing leadership in staging and artistic direction. He is also a prominent performer, having served as conductor and musical director for productions such as The Man of La Mancha and The Wizard of Oz . His performance career includes appearances at Carnegie Hall, Off-Broadway in Fermat’s Last Tango , and world premieres at Lincoln Center and the 92nd Street Y.
Dr. Richard Todd Payne is a Professor of Voice in the Department of Music at Missouri State University, part of the College of Arts and Letters in Springfield, MO. He is an accomplished baritone celebrated for his commanding presence and impassioned performances in opera, oratorio, recital, and public speaking. His artistic work frequently intersects with advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Education: Doctor of Musical Arts, Voice Performance, University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana Master of Music, Voice Performance, University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana Bachelor of Music, Voice Performance, University of Memphis Dr. Payne's research and performance interests center on classical vocal performance, opera, African American spirituals, and jazz opera. He is particularly known for portraying Louis Armstrong in Dave Brubeck’s The Real Ambassadors and performing the title role in Porgy and Bess . His work emphasizes cultural representation and historical narratives in music. Although no formal publications are listed, his performance repertoire reflects deep engagement with vocal literature spanning Verdi, Beethoven, and contemporary compositions, especially those highlighting Black cultural heritage. Honors and Awards: Judith Enyeart Reynolds College of Arts and Letters “Bear Up” Award “Lunch with an MSU Genius” Award Missouri State University “Bear Bridge” Outstanding Mentor Award Bear Bridge Outstanding Presenter Award Missouri Association of Blacks in Higher Education Award Dr. Payne is a dedicated mentor, recognized for his guidance to students and contributions to music education. He has not received mention of external research grants, but his performances and community engagements—such as delivering MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech and participating in the African Spiritual Intensive Program—reflect a strong commitment to educational outreach and artistic leadership. He performs regularly with regional and national ensembles, including symphonies and opera companies such as Ozark Lyric Opera, Opera Memphis, and Springfield Regional Opera. His collaborations with academic institutions and high schools underscore his role in bridging performance and pedagogy.
Mark Oswald is a distinguished faculty member at the Manhattan School of Music, specializing in Vocal Arts. He is globally recognized as one of the Metropolitan Opera's leading voice teachers, having mentored 14 Met soloists, and is celebrated for his technical expertise and musicality as a lyric baritone. Faculty at Manhattan School of Music since 2003 Vocal coach for elite opera singers World-renowned performer at top opera houses His research interests focus on vocal pedagogy, performance techniques for lyric baritones, and historical voice teaching methods tracing back to Sidney Dietsch's lineage. Oswald's work emphasizes individualized vocal approaches while maintaining classical rigor. Mr. Oswald has performed extensively with the Metropolitan Opera for 12 years, collaborated with James Levine and Luciano Pavarotti, and maintains a rich discography featuring roles like Papageno in Die Zauberflöte and the title role in Billy Budd . As an educator, he teaches at the Hartt School of Music, Manhattan School of Music, and participates in programs at institutions like the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and Brevard Music Center.
Dr. Yuman Lee is an Associate Professor of Music and Coordinator of Vocal Studies at Shorter University 's School of Fine & Performing Arts. His expertise includes voice pedagogy, art song literature, diction for singers, and applied voice instruction. Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA), Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Master of Music (MM), University of Southern California Bachelor of Music (BM), Kyung Hee University Dr. Lee's research focuses on vocal performance techniques, historical performance practices, and oratorio repertoire. He emphasizes mind-body connections in singing and student autonomy in vocal development. His publications reflect a specialization in European classical music, particularly works by Handel and Mendelssohn, with a focus on emotional expression and technical mastery in baritone vocal performance. Scientific honors include membership in Pi Kappa Lambda (music honor society) and the National Association of Teachers of Singing . His students have achieved recognition in NATS and Rome Music Lovers Club competitions. Dr. Lee actively contributes to community music programs, serving as church choir conductor at Bethany Presbyterian Church, Church Music Department Chair at Atlanta Cumberland Theological Seminary, and Director of the Praising Church Music Institute.
James Westman is a Lecturer in Voice at the Don Wright Faculty of Music, Western University . A globally acclaimed Canadian baritone with a career spanning over four decades, he has performed in leading opera houses, recital venues, and concert halls worldwide, renowned for his versatility in grand opera, oratorio, art song, baroque, and modern classical music. His signature role as Germont in Verdi’s La Traviata has been featured in over 200 performances.
