Soprano Dr. Jennifer Swanson has performed in opera and solo recital throughout the United States and in Italy. A member of the BSU music department since 1999, she teaches Applied Voice, Diction for Singers, Vocal Techniques, Survey of Solo Song Literature, and Opera Workshop. Her students have gone on to successful careers in both music education and performance. An active performer herself, Dr. Swanson sings regularly in recitals and concerts.
In 2008, Dr. Swanson finished her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Vocal Performance at the University of Minnesota where she was a recipient of the Schuessler Vocal Fellowship and a student of Jean del Santo. Her final DMA project included the world premiere of Abbie Betinis, Nattsanger, a cycle of seven Norwegian songs written for her. Dr. Swanson earned her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Illinois and a Master of Music degree from New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. Following her Masters degree, she studied for several years with Helen Hodam in Boston. Additional studies include three summers at the International Institute of Vocal Arts working with leading conductors, directors, and singers from opera companies throughout the world including Kurt Klipstatter, Paul Nadler, Fabrizio Melano, Frank Gentilesca, and Mignon Dunn.
A frequent prizewinner, Dr. Swanson has participated in numerous national and international competitions including the Washington International Vocal Competition, NATS-Boston Art Song Auditions, and the Connecticut Opera Guild Competition. She was twice a New England Regional Finalist in the prestigious Metropolitan Opera Auditions. For three seasons, Dr. Swanson was engaged by the Florida Grand Opera in the Young Artist Program and as a featured artist. During that time, she performed extensively throughout south Florida in opera and recital. Her work included supporting roles in main stage opera productions, lead roles in Young Artist productions, recitals, and concert appearances. Conductors and directors with whom she worked include James Judd, John Lehmeyer, Gina Lapinski, and Bernard Uzan. She performed with Deborah Voigt, Elizabeth Futral, and Diana Soviero, and many other leading artists from the world of opera.
Research activities include pedagogy and voice science. Recently, Dr. Swanson conducted research with a team of voice teachers and speech pathologists from the Lions Voice Clinic at the University of Minnesota. In May 2006, they presented their results at the 3rd International Physiology and Acoustics of Singing Conference in York, England.
In addition to her duties at Bemidji State University, Dr. Swanson maintains a private studio of high school and adult avocational singers. Her students are active performers in vocal ensembles and on the musical theater stage throughout northern Minnesota. Summer teaching activities have included the Bemidji MusiCamp and the International Music Camp. Professional affiliations include Minnesota Music Educators Association, Music Educators National Conference, and National Association of Teachers of Singing.
In 2008, Dr. Swanson finished her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Vocal Performance at the University of Minnesota where she was a recipient of the Schuessler Vocal Fellowship and a student of Jean del Santo. Her final DMA project included the world premiere of Abbie Betinis, Nattsanger, a cycle of seven Norwegian songs written for her. Dr. Swanson earned her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Illinois and a Master of Music degree from New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. Following her Masters degree, she studied for several years with Helen Hodam in Boston. Additional studies include three summers at the International Institute of Vocal Arts working with leading conductors, directors, and singers from opera companies throughout the world including Kurt Klipstatter, Paul Nadler, Fabrizio Melano, Frank Gentilesca, and Mignon Dunn.
A frequent prizewinner, Dr. Swanson has participated in numerous national and international competitions including the Washington International Vocal Competition, NATS-Boston Art Song Auditions, and the Connecticut Opera Guild Competition. She was twice a New England Regional Finalist in the prestigious Metropolitan Opera Auditions. For three seasons, Dr. Swanson was engaged by the Florida Grand Opera in the Young Artist Program and as a featured artist. During that time, she performed extensively throughout south Florida in opera and recital. Her work included supporting roles in main stage opera productions, lead roles in Young Artist productions, recitals, and concert appearances. Conductors and directors with whom she worked include James Judd, John Lehmeyer, Gina Lapinski, and Bernard Uzan. She performed with Deborah Voigt, Elizabeth Futral, and Diana Soviero, and many other leading artists from the world of opera.
Research activities include pedagogy and voice science. Recently, Dr. Swanson conducted research with a team of voice teachers and speech pathologists from the Lions Voice Clinic at the University of Minnesota. In May 2006, they presented their results at the 3rd International Physiology and Acoustics of Singing Conference in York, England.
In addition to her duties at Bemidji State University, Dr. Swanson maintains a private studio of high school and adult avocational singers. Her students are active performers in vocal ensembles and on the musical theater stage throughout northern Minnesota. Summer teaching activities have included the Bemidji MusiCamp and the International Music Camp. Professional affiliations include Minnesota Music Educators Association, Music Educators National Conference, and National Association of Teachers of Singing.
