A BIT ABOUT ME

Dr. Lara Wilson is an Assistant Professor of Voice and Opera Stage Director at The University of Alabama at Birmingham specializing in music theater, contemporary and classical vocal styles. Previously, Dr. Wilson was a Visiting Professor of Voice at Valdosta University and an adjunct instructor at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke and Coker University. Her research centers on vocal cross-training, a method of teaching multiple styles aimed at a more flexible, successful singer. Lara has also taught Music Entrepreneurship at The University of South Carolina and voice at Lee Correctional Institution, a maximum-security prison in South Carolina, as part of the chamber ensemble De Coda’s outreach initiative and anti-recidivism program, Music for Transformation.  Lara co-founded the Charleston Chamber Opera in 2007, producing and directing creatively staged performances for the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, the Gibbes Museum Concert Series and the Pawleys Island Festival of Music. Recently Lara appeared as a soloist with the UAB Concert Choir and UAB Jazz Ensemble. Previous to that she was a soloist with the VSU Wind Ensemble's Pops in the Park and appeared in recital at VSU with pianist Ethan Parker. Past performances include featured soloist with the Aiken Symphony and the Columbia Choral Society. Lara performed with the Greenville Light Opera as Ruth in The Pirates of Penzance and as Lady Jane in Patience for the Camp Hill Light Opera, PA. Additional mainstage credits include appearances with Savannah Philharmonic, Harrisburg Opera, Ridge Light Opera, Opera Northeast, Theater of Monmouth, New York Chamber Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, dell'Arte Opera Ensemble NYC, Natchez Opera Festival and New Bedford Symphony.  Lara debuted off-Broadway with the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players as Lady Blanche in Princess Ida, followed by a second appearance with the company as Lady Sangazure in the critically acclaimed production of The Sorcerer. Currently, Dr. Wilson is a professional voice-over actor and lead-singer with the pop-rock band The Sirens, a newly formed rock band in Birmingham. Apprenticeships include Des Moines Metro Opera and Sarasota Opera, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis and Artist in Residence with Tulsa Opera. Dr. Wilson holds Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from Indiana University and Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music respectively and a Doctorate from the University of South Carolina School of Music.