The voice department provides a superb curriculum and an extraordinary performance environment for the young singer. Voice students engage in a series of performance classes, vocal literature courses, and departmental offerings that thoroughly and appropriately develop their technical expertise and knowledge of repertoire. Each year the Conservatory produces at least one full stage operatic production, in addition to a series of opera scene performances and departmental recitals. Additional opportunities include an extraordinary array of offerings in Lieder, art song, music theater, drama, movement, and diction.

The department has a distinguished history of success in preparing singers for the professional world. Lawrence students have consistently won major international competitions, including the 1998 National Metropolitan Opera Competition (the third national winner from Lawrence), the National Federation of Music Clubs National Competition, and the national N.A.T.S. competition. Recent graduates are performing with opera companies around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Lawrence alumni have also served on the faculties of major music schools throughout the country, including the Eastman School of Music, Lawrence University, The Juilliard School, and the Manhattan School of Music. Students also have the opportunity to acquire certification in Choral Music Education, K-12, and there is currently a one hundred percent placement rate for graduates of that program.

Voice Department Website
Choral Department Website


Voice Faculty

Kenneth Bozeman, chair, voice, vocal pedagogy
Joanne Bozeman, voice, diction
John Gates, voice, opera theater
Karen Leigh-Post, voice, opera theater
Patrice Michaels, voice, opera theater
Steven Paul Spears, voice, opera theater

Bonnie Koestner, vocal coach, opera theater, diction
Tad Hardin, vocal coach, vocal literature

Paul Nesheim , choral conducting, music education
Phillip A. Swan, choral conducting, music education

Dale Duesing, Artist in Residence

Part-time faculty:
Janet Planet, vocal jazz
Bryan Post, voice