Honor Society® member
Susan Smith
Graduate Teaching Assistant at The University of Texas at El Paso
- The University of Texas at El Paso
- voice performance/opera
- Class of 2018
- El Paso, Texas
Member since December 2016
About
My name is Susan Smith. I completed my undergraduate studies in music at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas in 2014. Upon graduation, I spent three months abroad in Flensburg, Germany learning from accomplished classical singer and baritone Ansgar Hüning and attending performances at the Landestheater Schleswig-Holstein. The trip ended with participation in a small recital for Hüning's students. My experience in Flensburg inspired me to pursue a master's degree in vocal performance. I am currently a graduate student and teaching assistant in voice performance at the University of Texas at El Paso. I assist in teaching vocal technique and German diction for singers.
Education
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University of Texas at El Paso
vocal performance
2016 – 2018
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University of the Incarnate Word
music industry studies
2010 – 2014
Honors and awards
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3rd Place Finalist, Division XIII: Advanced College/Independent Studio Women
Rio Grande Chapter/District National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Student Auditions, March 2017
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Semi-finalist, Division III
South Texas Chapter National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Student Auditions, March 2012
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Best Expression of the Honors Theme
UIW Honors Senior Project Symposium Award, Spring 2014
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Award for Outstanding Participation
UIW Honors Program, Spring 2011
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Recipient
UIW Academic Scholarship
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Recipient
UIW Music Scholarship
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Graduated Magna Cum Laude
University of the Incarnate Word, 2014
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Dean's List, University of the Incarnate Word
All semesters except Fall 2011
Goals and interests
- Career goal
I plan to secure a position in higher education, or teach voice privately, in tandem with a regular performance schedule.
- Graduate school interests
In the fall of 2016 I conducted preliminary research concerning sexism and gender issues in opera staging. I am fascinated by gender issues in opera, and I also plan to research vocal pedagogy geared towards transgender voice students.
- Outside the classroom
In my spare time I enjoy attending dance classes, reading, writing fiction and poetry, knitting scarves, and experimenting with new recipes.
Experience
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Graduate Teaching Assistant
The University of Texas at El Paso
Aug 2016 – May 2018
Volunteering
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Vice President
Opera Students of El Paso
Aug 2016 – May 2017
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Public Relations Officer
University of the Incarnate Word Cardinal Chorale
Aug 2012 – May 2014
Languages
- German Intermediate
- Spanish (Spain) Intermediate
- Dutch Beginner
Additional information
Organizations
