Program Overview

Introduction to the Voice Studio Program

The University of Southern Mississippi offers one of the most comprehensive vocal music programs in the Southeast. The program boasts a college that is fully accredited in the arts, including music, art, theatre, and dance. A 40-member music faculty of dedicated teacher-artists provides professional, experienced voice teachers and professional stage directors.

Program Highlights

• A College that is fully accredited in the arts including music, art, theatre, and dance
• A 40-member music faculty of dedicated teacher-artists
• Professional, experienced voice teachers and professional stage directors
• An active opera program presenting fully staged productions each year
• Frequent master classes and performances by musicians of international stature

Recent Performances

• Performed and presented at the 55th National Conference of the National Association of Teachers of Singing – June 2018. Performed with Dr. Lois Leventhal, pianist.
• Performed with USM Voice Faculty Artist, Dr. Jonathan Yarrington, and Guest Faculty Artist, Dr. Jamie Reimer, in Special Presentation of the Songs of Robert Owens titled: Robert Owens: The Man and His Music, October 29, 2018.

Student Accomplishments

Notable Achievements

• Olivia Morrow, MM graduate student, soprano:
  • Finalist (2nd Place winner) at the Regional NATS Conference, Natchitoches, LA, Northwestern State University, November 10 (8-10), 2018.
  • Awarded major role of "Giannetta" for upcoming USM School of Music opera production of L'Elisir d'Amore by Gaetano Donizetti.
  • Among finalist chosen to sing for the National NATS Audition in Summer of 2019 – should she accept.
• Danielle Watson, soprano, MM graduate student:
  • Awarded understudy of major role of "Adina" in upcoming USM School of Music opera production of L'Elisir d'Amore by Gaetano Donizetti.
• Ann Marie McPhail, soprano, DMA graduate student:
  • Sings Um Mitternacht by Gustave Mahler, with DMA Candidate in Wind Conducting graduate student Mark Johnson, conductor, and wind ensemble, October 29, 2018.
  • Sings Ellington's Praise God and Dance from his "Sacred Concerts Series", for USM's Choral Activities Southern Invitational Choral Conference, September 2018.
• Sylvalia Brown, mezzo-soprano, Undergraduate Junior:
  • Wins top prize $1,000 Scholarship at the Young Artists Vocal Competition sponsored by the Gulf Coast Messiah Chorus, October 27, 2018.

Faculty

Voice Faculty

• Associate Professor of Voice: Kimberley Davis
• Associate Professor of Voice: J. Taylor Hightower
• Assistant Professor of Voice: Jonathan Yarrington
• Assistant Professor of Voice: Meredith Johnson