Bethany Worrell, a seasoned performer with a lifelong love for singing, has joined the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) as the new director of vocal studies and assistant professor of voice. With a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of vocalists, Worrell is poised to elevate the department's solo voice program and inspire her students to reach new heights.

Empowering the Next Generation of Singers

Sharing a Lifetime of Passion and Expertise

Bethany Worrell's journey with singing began at a young age, when her parents enrolled her in children's musical theater as a way to express herself and make friends. From there, her passion for the art form only grew, and she has been taking private lessons since the tender age of 12. Over the past decade, Worrell has honed her skills as a classical soprano, performing in dozens of operatic, recital, concert, and choral productions in cities like Boston, New York, and Dallas. "Singing is definitely my passion," she affirms. "It's my focus, my passion, my love. It's definitely a core part of me."

Shaping the Future of Vocal Studies at UMSL

Now, as the new director of vocal studies and assistant professor of voice in the UMSL Department of Music, Worrell is poised to share her lifelong love of singing with the next generation of vocalists. As the department's full-time voice professor, she oversees the solo voice program, teaching voice lessons in collaboration with three adjunct voice professors and two collaborative pianists. Additionally, Worrell runs a weekly voice studio class, where she workshops student performances and covers topics such as vocal health, vocal techniques, and the use of acting and emotions in performance.

Expanding the Vocal Curriculum

Worrell's arrival at UMSL has also brought about some exciting changes to the department's vocal curriculum. This academic year, the department will be offering lyric diction classes during the first year of vocal study, as well as placing a greater emphasis on sight-reading and professional skills like writing program notes. Furthermore, the department is expanding the repertoire to include not only classical music, but also jazz, opera, and musical theater, reflecting the diverse range of possibilities for modern singers.

Directing the Singing Actor's Workshop

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Worrell will be directing the Singing Actor's Workshop ensemble, a training and performance course for vocal artists. Next spring, the workshop will be presenting "A Grand Night for Singing," a one-act musical theater revue of songs by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Auditions for the performance will be open to students of any major, and Worrell is eager to both train students in stage skills and present the work to the UMSL community.

Performing as a Role Model

As a longtime performer herself, Worrell hopes to serve as a firsthand example to her students, showcasing the full breadth of possibility for their own future careers. On October 29th, she performed with the UMSL Symphony Orchestra during the annual Fall Festival at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center. In December, she will return to Dallas to perform with the Orpheus Chamber Singers, and on March 22nd, she'll be performing Johannes Brahms' "A German Requiem" with The Bach Society of Saint Louis Chorus and Orchestra. Worrell believes that these performances not only fulfill her own passion, but also provide valuable experiences for her students to witness the versatility and dedication required of a professional vocalist."The really great thing about the academic position at UMSL is that performing is part of my job as a professor," Worrell explains. "I perform as a soloist, I perform with a professional choir, I do recital work, and students can see that singing a variety of music is the norm for a professional vocalist. My main medium is classical music, but I do sing a little jazz from time to time for fun. As a singer, you don't have to do one thing; versatility is going to make you hirable. Music is a job that should feel fulfilling; especially because it is about making art. I'm very proud of the work the voice students are doing; the changes students have made in just the first few months of school are incredible, and it's very joyful to work with them and see them succeed."