Hye-Young Kim is an active collaborative pianist and coach affiliated with the Conservatory of Music at Chapman University. Known for her work across diverse repertoire and ensembles, she maintains strong ties with institutions like Pacific Symphony and USC Thornton School of Music. Education: Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts in Keyboard Collaborative Arts from USC, tutored by Dr. Alan L. Smith. Her career spans international performances in South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Austria, Italy, Cuba, and the U.S., with appearances on radio and television. She has collaborated with renowned conductors like Carl St. Clair and contributed to opera productions at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Awards: Gwendolyn Koldofsky Scholarship Award (4 consecutive years) As an adjunct faculty member, Dr. Kim provides instrumental and vocal coaching while continuing her collaborative work with Pacific Symphony.
Tommy Novak (Carthage College alumnus, Class Year ’11, M.M. ’20) is a multifaceted theatre professional with a double major in Theatre Performance and Directing, followed by a Master’s in Music Theater Vocal Pedagogy. They currently hold pivotal non-academic roles at Lyric Opera of Chicago, including Super Captain and Third Assistant Stage Manager, while occasionally teaching part-time or guest lecturing at their alma mater.
Liana Krasyun-Korunna is a Ukrainian pianist born in 1981 currently serving as a Tutor at the Faculty of Vocal and Acting, Stanisław Moniuszko Academy of Music in Gdańsk. She has been active in Poland since 2004, concurrently tutoring soloists at the Baltic Opera in Gdańsk and collaborating with the Polish Chamber Philharmonic in Sopot and Polish Chamber Choir. Her educational foundation includes distinguished graduation from the Lviv Academy of Music under Professor Oksana Rapita followed by advanced studies at the Wrocław Academy of Music supervised by Professor Olga Rusina. She has refined her expertise through master classes with Professors Lysychenko (Russia), Kozlov (Ukraine), and Soreanu (Romania). Ms. Krasyun-Korunna's professional practice centers on: Piano performance across solo, chamber, and symphonic contexts Vocal accompaniment for opera productions and choral ensembles Opera coaching including soloist preparation Collaborative work with internationally renowned conductors Her performance history features engagements with the Lviv Symphony Orchestra, Lower Silesian Philharmonic Orchestra, Sudecka Philharmonic Orchestra, and participation in the 2009 Szeged Opera Festival production of Strauss's Ariadne auf Naxos co-produced with TV Mezzo.
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.
Peter Sparks is a Clarinet Professor at the Royal College of Music, where he combines his exceptional performing career with teaching and chamber music coaching. He serves as Co-Principal Clarinet at English National Opera and performs as guest Principal Clarinet with leading UK orchestras including the Royal Opera House, Philharmonia, and BBC orchestras. Professor Sparks' performance interests span: Classical clarinet repertoire Chamber ensemble performance Contemporary music premieres Jazz-inspired arrangements Interdisciplinary collaborations Solo concerto performance As a prominent performer, he has premiered works by composers including Nicola LeFanu, Peter Wiegold (including bass clarinet concerto 'New York'), Angela Slater ('The Light Blinds'), and Seonaid Aitken ('The Platinum Suite'). His performance activities include: Regular broadcasts on BBC Radio 3 Performances at Wigmore Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, and BBC Proms Recordings with Art Deco Trio (jazz-inspired arrangements) Session work for TV, film, and West End productions Collaborations with Michael Collins and Mira Calix
Sebastian Wybrew is a Teaching Professor at the Royal College of Music and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, specializing in vocal repertoire coaching and performance practice. He collaborates with renowned artists like François Le Roux and Dame Felicity Lott for programs such as Wigmore Hall's French Song Exchange and delivers masterclasses at institutions including Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Debuted at Het Concertgebouw Amsterdam with Ian Bostridge Broadcast live on BBC radio and television 2018 recording 'Songs of Vain Glory' with Sophie Bevan released by Wigmore Hall Live His accolades include the Accompanist Prize at the John Kerr English Song Competition and the Jean Meickle Duo Prize at the 2017 Wigmore Hall Song Competition.
Patrizia Dina holds a BA in Modern Languages with focus on Italian Literature and serves as a Repertoire Professor in Speech and Language at the Royal College of Music's Vocal & Opera department. She collaborates with major UK music institutions including the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Scottish Opera, BBC Singers, and LSO Chorus. Vocal coaching for opera and classical performance Italian-to-English and English-to-Italian opera translation Proofreading of Italian/English libretti and programs Performance of poetic recitations as demonstrated in Scottish Opera's Le Villi Her professional expertise combines linguistic scholarship with practical vocal training, supporting students and professional ensembles through language coaching and historical performance guidance. She maintains active affiliations with multiple conservatoires and opera companies across the UK. As a qualified London Tourist Guide specializing in music tours with operatic emphasis, she contributes to public engagement with classical music traditions. Her contact information includes institutional email addresses for Vocal Studies department inquiries.
Agnieszka Brojek is an Assistant Professor at the Ignacy Jan Paderewski Academy of Music in Poznan, employed in the Department of String Instruments. She teaches Italian language (Faculty I) and orchestral studies, cello literature, and didactics (Faculty II). A PhD holder in Art (2016), she is an accomplished cellist and translator with international performance experience. Her educational background includes: Doctor of Art, Ignacy Jan Paderewski Academy of Music in Poznan, 2016 Italian Philology degree, Adam Mickiewicz University Dr. Brojek's research spans cello performance, orchestral studies, and music translation. She specializes in contemporary cello repertoire (notably Giovanni Sollima's works) and religious text translation. Her linguistic expertise (six languages, three fluent) supports collaborations with opera productions and international music festivals. She actively designs music-literary projects for youth through the Raczyński Library. Her publications reveal dual scholarly trajectories: analytical cello research (2017) and religious translations (2018). The cello work examines technical innovation within modern string performance, while translations advance Carmelite spirituality studies through biographical works on saints. Her notable accolades include: Medal commemorating 10 years of orchestra 'La Grecia' (Orchestra of the Province of Catanzaro, Italy), 2012 Bronze Medal of the President of the Republic of Poland for long-term service, 2014 No doctoral students or research grants are publicly documented. Her professional engagements focus on artistic performance and translation rather than academic advising or funded research projects. She maintains active collaborations with major ensembles including Orchestra della Provincia di Catanzaro and Orchestra Internazionale d'Italia. Her leadership in international projects like Progetto Muse (Forlì, Italy) as cello coach and concertmaster demonstrates her orchestral expertise. Festival partnerships span Tiroler Festspiele Erl (Austria) and Festival della Valle d’Itria (Italy).
William Averill is an Associate Professor of Practice in Vocal Coaching at Texas Tech University's School of Music. He has performed globally in early baroque to avant-garde repertoire and is renowned for vocal coaching in opera, French/Russian vocal works, and harpsichord performance. Education: B.A. in Piano, Flute, and Music Education (Appalachian State University); M.M. in Vocal Accompanying and Artist Diploma in Opera Coaching (University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music); Doctoral studies in Harpsichord and Fortepiano (Indiana University-Bloomington's Early Music Institute). His career spans coaching over 90 opera productions for festivals like Wolf Trap Opera Company and Mercury Baroque, where he served as harpsichordist and organist. He has collaborated with conductors/directors including John Copley and Marilyn Horne and conducted Händel/Vivaldi operas for the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Dr. Averill has taught at Indiana University School of Music and Ohio University, leading collaborative piano programs and song repertoire courses. He currently performs with Austin's Ensemble viii and has recorded works by Händel, Vivaldi, and Rameau.
Kristin Kusanovich is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Santa Clara University's College of Arts and Sciences. She holds an MFA in Choreography and Performance from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and a BA in Dance with a minor in Mathematics from Santa Clara University. With over 30 years of experience, she has directed, choreographed, and produced more than 100 works across dance, drama, musical theatre, opera, film, and video. Her research focuses on modern/contemporary dance and theatre arts, with emphasis on: Interdisciplinary performance practices Curriculum development for arts education Movement and vocal coaching methodologies Advocacy for dance education policy As President of the California Dance Education Association, she leads statewide initiatives to advance dance education through legislation, advocacy, and professional development programs. She continues to perform and teach internationally through master classes and presentations.
Melissa Foster is a Professor at Northwestern University's School of Communication , specializing in voice training within the Department of Theatre . She combines pedagogy, research, and performance in musical theatre, pop styles, and hip-hop traditions. Faculty, CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute Rap/R&B Coach, Rock the Audition Resident Vocal Consultant, Lyric Opera of Chicago Research Focus: Historical and cultural analysis of hip-hop performance, vocal technique development, and authenticity in musical theatre. Her book project The Scenario: Hip-Hop History and Performance Techniques for Musical Theatre explores hip-hop's integration into mainstream performance while prioritizing vocal health. Leadership & Impact: Serves as Faculty in Residence (Provost Initiative) and contributes to campus safety initiatives through the Community Safety Advisory Board. Active in national and international education through masterclasses and residencies. Distinguished Professor Award Artist-in-Residence, ArtsLink Foundation
Professor Lynne Dawson is the Head of the School of Vocal Studies and Opera at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM). She transitioned to academia after a distinguished international career as a singer specializing in opera, concerts, and recordings, collaborating with renowned conductors like Daniel Barenboim and John Eliot Gardiner. Her operatic roles include Mozart’s Pamina, Donna Elvira, and Queen of the Night, as well as Handel’s Cleopatra and Orfeo ed Euridice. She excels in concert repertoire such as Richard Strauss’s Four Last Songs and Berg’s Seven Early Songs, with a particular affinity for Baroque music. Research interests include Art Song in Europe in the 1890s , Historical Performance Practice , and Vocal Pedagogy , reflecting her dual expertise as a performer and educator. Professor Dawson teaches Principal Study Vocal , Repertoire and Song Class , and Vocal Coaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She also serves as a Visiting Tutor at institutions like the Royal Danish Conservatory and the Dutch National Opera Academy.
Paul Wynne Griffiths is a Professor of Vocal Coaching at the Royal Opera House and a Tutor in Opera and Dramatic Interpretation at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM). He studied at the Royal Manchester College of Music and the London Opera Centre before joining the music staff of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, where he has worked for over 25 years. His career spans both academic and professional realms, with experience conducting leading orchestras such as the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and Philharmonia. Education: Royal Manchester College of Music, London Opera Centre Current Roles: Professor of Vocal Coaching (Royal Opera House), Tutor in Opera and Dramatic Interpretation (RNCM) Professional Experience: 25+ years at Royal Opera House, collaborations with internationally renowned orchestras Paul's work focuses on vocal pedagogy and dramatic interpretation within operatic contexts. His expertise bridges academic instruction and professional performance, emphasizing the integration of musical and theatrical techniques for vocalists. While no specific research grants or projects are detailed, his long-term association with the Royal Opera House highlights his sustained contributions to vocal training in opera. Contact: Paul.Wynne-Griffiths@rncm.ac.uk
Claire Haslin is a Lecturer in Piano Accompaniment and Tutor in Piano Pedagogy at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS). She holds roles as a vocal and instrumental coach across multiple departments, including Vocal Performance and Woodwind Studies. Her teaching responsibilities include the MMus course, BEd Ensembles module, and the IVP Masters program. She also lectures at the RCS Junior Conservatoire. Education: Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now RCS), Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Her professional activities span chamber music performances with Trio Ecossaise, Kilnaish Duo, and collaborations with baritone Phil Gault. She has served as a repetiteur at Scottish Opera and vocal coach for programs like 'Vocal Inspiration' and 'Art of Song.' Her pedagogical focus includes piano pedagogy mentorship and collaborative pianism. Awards: Peter Morrison Prize for All Round Excellence (RCS). She actively contributes to music festivals such as the Scottish International Flute Summer School and NYCoS residential courses. Her work bridges performance, education, and ensemble collaboration in classical music.
Julien LeBlanc is a Course Instructor (Vocal Coaching) in the Department of Music Performance at the University of Ottawa. He is a Canadian pianist renowned for his musical sensibility and collaborative skills. Based in Montreal, he actively performs as a soloist, chamber musician, and vocal accompanist. His recent engagements include serving as pianist and musical director for the opera 'Albertine en cinq temps' (2023) and co-artistic director of the Été musical de Barachois since 2012. His 2015 album Mélancolies , featuring works by Dutilleux, Franck, and Poulenc, was praised for its warmth and clarity. He has collaborated with institutions like Against the Grain Theatre, earning critical acclaim for his interpretation of Debussy's Pelléas et Mélisande . LeBlanc teaches part-time at the University of Ottawa, delivers masterclasses across Canada, and regularly serves on music competition juries. His work bridges performance and pedagogy, emphasizing French musical repertoire and interdisciplinary collaboration.
