City: Washington, DC
Education: Western Kentucky University; University of Notre Dame du Lac
Preston Harrell -- Lyric Baritone -- is an avid Voice and Piano Instructor and performer of sacred and classical music. Hailing from Bowling Green, Kentucky, he holds the Bachelor of Arts in Music (Voice) from Western Kentucky University and the Master of Sacred Music in Voice Performance from University of Notre-Dame du Lac.
As of 2022, he studies the Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice Performance at Catholic University of America. His past voice teachers include Dr. Elizabeth "Liza" Kelly and Dr. Stephen Lancaster. In 2021, Preston was appointed to Saluzzo, Italy to engage in the role of Conte Almaviva in "Le nozze di Figaro" K. 492 by W.A. Mozart as part of the Saluzzo Opera Academy Summer Training Program.
In addition to Vocal Studies, Preston is also a Piano Instructor and started his own study as a freshman in high school. Voice and Piano go hand in hand, and his proficiency on this instrument was a significant asset as he moved into his college voice studies. With students, he teaches all ages and enjoys using the Alfred and Faber curriculums especially.
As an educator, Preston is passionate about working with students of all ages in building the skills and artistry necessary for traditional and non-traditional music performance. Establishing solid fundamentals is a priority, but in a way that speaks to the whole student and creating joy throughout learning. Preston's favorite part of teaching is playing a role in a student's journey to artistic beauty and greatness, informed by elements of truth regarding the human condition and thus engendering a most profound connection between one human and another.