Courtney Kalbacker
About
Dr. Courtney Kalbacker, DMA, is an Assistant Professor of Music in Voice and Director of Opera at Augusta University. A sought-after opera producer, director, educator, researcher, and performer, Dr. Kalbacker brings over 20 years of experience in classical, music theatre, and contemporary vocal styles. She holds a doctorate from the University of Maryland, a Master of Music in Opera Performance from Oklahoma City University, and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Boston University. She has produced or directed over 40 operas over the last 15 years, and in 2022, both her stagings of Menottis The Telephone and The Consul were selected as National Semi-Finalists for the American Prize. Her teaching focuses on creating compelling communication and connection, developing singer-actors, and employing trauma-informed vocal pedagogy. Dr. Kalbacker prioritizes creative solutions for technical vocal difficulties, dramatic specificity, language clarity, and psychological performance strategies. Her private students have attended top conservatories, won national competitions, and performed in major theatres and ensembles. Previously, she directed multiple opera productions annually at Towson University for 7 years while maintaining a full voice studio. She also originated and taught the Acting for Singers curriculum at Boston University Tanglewood Institute for five seasons.
Education & Qualifications
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) from University of Maryland; Master of Music in Opera Performance from Oklahoma City University; Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Boston University; Vocal Pedagogy courses from Westminster Choir College