W. Stephen Smith

About

W. Stephen Smith is a baritone and Professor of Voice and Opera at Northwestern University's Bienen School of Music, where he serves as Coordinator of the voice and opera program since fall 2011. He previously taught at the Juilliard School for thirteen years and held positions at the University of Houston and served as Chair of the Voice Department at Saint Louis Conservatory of Music. He was a vocal instructor for Houston Grand Opera Studio (1990-2003) and taught at Aspen Music Festival and School (1996-2017). He is also voice faculty for the Ryan Opera Center of Lyric Opera of Chicago. His students include renowned artists such as Christine Brewer, Joyce DiDonato, Eric Owens, and Marietta Simpson. Many of his students have performed at major opera houses including the Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and La Scala. He authored The Naked Voice: A Wholistic Approach to Singing published by Oxford University Press in 2007 and founded the Naked Voice Institute for Singers and Teachers.

Education & Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts in Voice from Harding University, Master of Music from University of Arkansas, Master of Performing Arts in Opera from Oklahoma City University, Honorary Doctor of Arts and Humane Letters from University of Arkansas

Teaching Styles