Valerie MacPhail

About

Dr. Valerie K. MacPhail is an accomplished soprano and Associate Professor of Voice at Converse University, where she has been teaching since 1994. She serves as the voice faculty coordinator and Assistant Director of the Petrie School of Music, one of the most prestigious music schools in the Southeast. Dr. MacPhail holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance from the University of South Carolina, a Master of Music in Voice Performance from Florida State University, and a Bachelor of Arts from the College of William and Mary. As a performer, she has delivered over 30 solo vocal recitals throughout the country and has performed internationally in Cuba and China, presenting masterclasses alongside concert performances. Her notable operatic roles include the Countess in Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, Sister Constance in Poulenc's Dialogues of the Carmelites, and The Witch in Sondheim's Into the Woods. She has also created the role of Beatrix Trenholm in the world premiere of To Him Who Waits by composer S. David Berry. Dr. MacPhail's students consistently compete successfully on the national and local level, with achievements including the Hal Leonard Art Song Competition and acceptances to prestigious conservatories. She has performed with the Spartanburg Philharmonic as a soprano soloist in Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. Her pedagogical approach emphasizes comprehensive vocal technique development across multiple genres and styles.

Education & Qualifications

Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance, University of South Carolina; Master of Music in Voice Performance, Florida State University; Bachelor of Arts, College of William and Mary

Teaching Styles