Norman Spivey

About

Norman Spivey is a Professor of Voice and Voice Pedagogy at Penn State University School of Music, a position he has held since 1992. He is an accomplished baritone with an extensive performance career spanning concert work at Carnegie Hall and operatic roles across France and Canada. Spivey received the 2012 Penn State College of Arts and Architecture Faculty Award for Outstanding Teaching and was inducted into the American Academy of Teachers of Singing in 2011. He is an active member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), having served as national president, governor of the Pennsylvania District, and in numerous other leadership roles. With his longtime collaborator Mary Saunders Barton, he co-authored "Cross-Training in the Voice Studio: A Balancing Act" (Plural Publishing, 2018), a comprehensive resource for voice teachers. His pedagogical approach emphasizes deep empathy and commitment to the vocal development process, combined with extensive experience in both classical and contemporary singing. Dr. Spivey is recognized for his expertise in voice pedagogy, dramatic expression, and training teachers who specialize in teaching popular singing alongside classical technique.

Education & Qualifications

Bachelor of Music from Southeastern Louisiana University; Master of Music from University of North Texas; Doctor of Musical Arts from University of Michigan; Fulbright Grant recipient for study in Paris

Teaching Styles