WHO WE ARE

Because the world needs singing now more than ever, KSU Bailey School is constantly redefining curriculum to expand each student’s understanding of what a life in music can mean. We prepare you to perform and engage with new audiences, teach anyone, anywhere — and make a difference with your music. Courses include Diction, Vocal Pedagogy, Vocal Literature, Chamber Music, and Vocal Techniques. Performance opportunities include Honors Voice Recital, Voice Symposium, and frequent studio classes. We host performances and masterclasses with some of the leading performers and educators in the country. Recent guest masterclass artists include Indra Thomas, Everett McCorvey, Michael Mayes, Atlanta Opera, Reginald Smith, Nicole Cabell, Jennifer Larmore, and Stephanie Blythe.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Voice Area at the Bailey School of Music at ÈâÈ⴫ý seeks to attract the highest caliber musicians, to study and train under our world class faculty in our state-of-the-art facilities to graduate performers, educators, and most importantly singers who are on their way to fulfilling their individual musical goals.

VISION STATEMENT

We aspire to provide an elite, comprehensive, and inspiring experience in Vocal Performance and Education.

VALUES

We celebrate your passion for singing, in both making music and teaching music. 

Bailey School of Music Voice programs will help you explore, define, and amplify your talents, discovering new ways to be expressive through your singing to help change lives and impact communities through music.

Entrepreneurship is integral in our training. We are dedicated to equipping our singers with the proper skills to be successful performers and educators.

About our Programs

Singers interested in majoring in voice, either in Performance or Music Education, will take advantage of our comprehensive training and mentorship.

Courses in Music Theory, Aural Skills, Music History as well as Lyric Diction, Vocal Pedagogy, Class Piano, Applied Lessons, along with large and small ensembles including five choirs and the KSU Opera Theater are offered to the aspiring young performer and educator.  

    • Lauryn Davis – Graduate Studies/Cincinnati Conservatory
    • Joseph McBrayer – Graduate Studies Indiana University, Florida Grand Opera
    • Eric Lindsey – Graduate Studies University of Houston, Metropolitan Opera
    • Alexander Trull – Graduate Studies Portland State, Opera Bend
    • Amy Smithwick – Atlanta Opera Studio
    • Claire Pappas – Choral Director, Forsyth County Schools
    • Emma Bryant – Choral Director Cobb County Schools
    • Christina Vehar – Choral and Theater Director, Cobb County Schools
    • Forrest Starr – Choral Director, South Carolina 
    • Katie Stewart – Choral Director, Cobb County Schools
    • Erika Palmer – Choral Director, Cobb County Schools
    • Elizabeth Shaver – Choral Director, Union Pines, NC
    • Shannan O’Dowd Master – Choral Director, Indianapolis, Indiana
    • Sarah Shiver – General Music, Arnold Mill
    • Anthony Morris – Graduate Teaching Assistant UGA, Hodgson School of Music
    • Brandon Cali – Theater Director, Johns Creek, GA
    • Kristin Houston – Coordinator, College of Performing Arts, The New School
    • Sierra Manson – Choral Director, Fulton County Schools
    • Molly Jennings – Graduate Studies, University of Illinois
    • Jeremiah Robinson – Choral Director, Gwinnett County
    • Jennell Smith – Choral Director, DeKalb County
    • Siobhan Rodriguez – Media Relations Representative, Georgia Tech

 

 

KSU Opera Theater

ÈâÈ⴫ý Opera Theater offers a complete and comprehensive program for undergraduates across all degree plans and majors and includes training in every facet of production. Singers receive expert and intensive experience in character analysis and development, stage movement and acting, and coaching in music, diction, and recitative.  Opera Theater at the Bailey School of Music focuses on providing the opportunity for undergraduates to be cast in mainstage productions while receiving individualized attention from opera and music faculty. Performance opportunities include fully staged opera with orchestra, one act and chamber operas, scenes programs or Opera Galas. Each semester has a focused performance towards the end of the term that rotates through a variety of language and stylistic components from operas vast history. Opera and voice faculty work closely with the ensemble to provide a nurturing and encouraging environment for success.

Vision Statement

Present productions ranging from traditional to contemporary.

Work alongside living composers. 

Research and present operas by underrepresented composers and communities.

Provide community access to performances of American opera.

Recent Opera Productions include

Le Nozze di Figaro – Spring 2023 

Hansel and Gretel – Spring 2022

Recent Resident Stage Directors and Composers

William Ferrara  

Chuck Hudson  

Michael Ching  

Dean Anthony  

William Crutchfield 

 

opera

Faculty

Prospective Students should contact Professor Young for more information and to schedule a visit and sample lesson with one of our teachers.

Name
Position

  • jana young

    Associate Professor of Music

    jyoung56@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2013
    WA 2170

  • todd wedge

    Associate Professor of Music

    twedge@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6151
    WB 111

 

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