W. Stephen Smith

About

W. Stephen Smith is a distinguished baritone and Professor of Voice and Opera at Northwestern University's Bienen School of Music, where he serves as Program Coordinator of the voice and opera program. He previously taught at the prestigious Juilliard School for thirteen years (1998-2011), as well as at the University of Houston, and served as Chair of the Voice Department at the Saint Louis Conservatory of Music. A faculty member at the Aspen Music Festival and School from 1996-2017, he received recognition as a 'New Horizons' faculty member multiple times. His notable students include acclaimed opera singers Christine Brewer, Joyce DiDonato, Rod Gilfry, Brian Mulligan, and Eric Owens, many of whom have performed at major opera houses including the Metropolitan Opera and La Scala. Smith is the author of 'The Naked Voice: A Wholistic Approach to Singing' (Oxford University Press, 2007), in which he presents a comprehensive approach to vocal training that combines technical instruction with emotional and spiritual development. He established the 'Naked Voice Institute for Singers and Teachers' at Northwestern in summer 2012, which provided annual training until 2019. Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts in Voice from Harding University, a Master of Music in Voice from the University of Arkansas, and a Master of Performing Arts in Opera from Oklahoma City University. In December 2012, he received the Doctor of Arts and Humane Letters from the University of Arkansas. His teaching emphasizes a wholistic approach to singing that integrates vocal technique, artistic interpretation, and performer wellbeing.

Education & Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts in Voice, Harding University; Master of Music in Voice, University of Arkansas; Master of Performing Arts in Opera, Oklahoma City University; Doctor of Arts and Humane Letters, University of Arkansas (2012)

Teaching Styles