Breakout Sessions + Meet the Clinicians

Laryngeal Self-Massage

Charles “Chip” Dugan  |  10am

During this workshop, Dr. Charles Dugan will guide singers through an anatomical review of neck anatomy, an overview of the theory and utility of massage, the specific effects of laryngeal massage, and a hands-on guided practice session. 

  • Dr. Charles "Chip" Dugan, tenor, is a Pennsylvania native. He is a clinical singing voice specialist and  voice and language development consultant at Mercer County Voice & Speech Partners, a voice professor at Grove City College, and the District Membership Director and Regional Auditions Coordinator overseeing Pennsylvania for the National Association of Teachers of Singing. 

    Equally an artist and scholar, Chip is passionate about instilling "the confidence to create" in musicians, artists, and writers. His research on professional voice issues has been presented at conferences and medical settings across the United States. Current research is focused on laryngeal self-massage for singers and nonverbal communication for singers.

    He earned a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Vocal Pedagogy and Performance at the University of Miami (2020), as well as a Masters in Vocal Performance from Florida State University (2007), and a Bachelors in Vocal Performance from Ohio Northern University (2005).

    Dr. Dugan has training in Alexander Technique, Estill Method, McClosky Technique, laryngeal massage, voice science, vocal acoustics, sensory-cognitive language development, and mental health first aid.

    Chip the author of two "chapbooks" and one full-length book of poetry. His lyrics have been set in song by award-winning composers Benjamin Montgomery (Florida Southern College) and Joseph Hasper (Grove City College).

A Systematic Approach to Warming Up Your Voice

Lauren Athey-Janka  |  11am

Understanding and enjoying the process of vocal warm-ups is essential for fruitful practice. Too often, singers head into a practice session without a plan or without a focus on what their body needs on a given day. The focus of this class is to empower young singers to understand and learn how to exercise each component of the voice, from body to breath to phonation.

  • Soprano Lauren Athey-Janka serves as Assistant Professor of Voice and Voice Pedagogy and Head of Voice at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey, where she teaches applied voice, vocal pedagogy, vocal literature, and diction courses. She has taught classical voice for over 20 years and has professional classical voice students in the USA, Canada, and throughout Europe.

    Ms. Athey-Janka has served on the voice faculties of Opera Viva! in Verona, Italy and the Boston University Tanglewood Institute Young Artists Vocal Program. She was recently invited to give masterclasses at the renowned Het Conservatorium van Amsterdam in The Netherlands and frequently gives masterclasses at universities and conservatories internationally. She has also served on the voice faculties of Westminster Choir College and West Chester University, teaching both undergraduate and graduate students.

     Ms. Athey-Janka's students have performed with and been accepted to the Metropolitan Opera, Opera Philadelphia, Royal Opera House, Opéra National de Lyon, Dutch National Opera, Staatsoper Hannover, Palm Beach Opera, Academy of Vocal Arts, New York City Opera, Glyndebourne Opera, Florida Grand Opera, Opera North, Wolf Trap Opera, Sarasota Opera, Opera Saratoga, Des Moines Metro Opera, Opera Iowa, Spoleto Festival, Opera Delaware, Atelier lyrique de l'Opéra Montréal, Muziekgebouw aan't IJ in the Netherlands, Theater Rochester Biel Solothurn, Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra, Copenhagen Opera Festival, Nordrhein-Westphalia Opera Studio (NWR Opernstudio), Oper Dortmund, Oper Wuppertal, Aalto Musiktheater Essen, Musiktheater im Revier Gelsenkirche, Stadttheater Gießen, Opernfest Berlin, Wad Opera in The Netherlands, The Royal Opera Academy in Copenhagen, OPERA2DAY, Jonge Grote Zangers Young Artist Program, Ensemble Volte in Montréal, Nightingale Opera Theatre, Seagle Music Colony, Oberlin in Italy, Chicago Summer Opera, and the Institute for Young Dramatic Voices. Her students have placed and won in the Metropolitan Opera National Council auditions, Lotte Lenya, Talent Gala of the Opéra de Montréal, Classical Singer, Schmidt, and NATS competitions.

    Ms. Athey-Janka co-authored a series of five anthologies for soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, baritone and bass with Dr. Christopher Arneson. These anthologies were written in response to their critically acclaimed first literary collaboration "Literature for Teaching: A Guide for Teaching Solo Vocal Repertoire from a Developmental Perspective". 

    Ms. Athey-Janka has studied voice science, voice pedagogy, voice disorders, and speech with leading industry professionals. She received a Bachelor of Music degree in Voice Performance from Boston University, Master of Music degrees in Voice Performance and Vocal Pedagogy from Westminster Choir College, and completed post graduate coursework at Temple University. Ms. Athey-Janka has continued her pedagogical education with The Voice Foundation Annual Symposiums, National Association of Teachers of Singing National Conferences, Westminster Choir College's Voice Pedagogy Institute, and The David Jones Teacher Mentoring Program.

Acing Your Audition

Rebecca Pieper + Kelly Scott |  12pm

You’re already a superstar singer, so what else do you need to Ace Your Audition?Join our dynamic clinicians for an exciting deep dive into the real art of auditioning—before, during, and after your big 32 bars.

What’s in store? How to pick the perfect material that showcases you at your best, tricks to stay cool, even when the pianist surprises you with a tempo twist, handling cold reads or quick choreography like a pro, and the ultimate mindset hacks to crush those nerves and leave a lasting impression. Whether you're a seasoned performer or stepping into the audition room for the first time, this session will give you the tools and confidence to shine.

  • Rebecca Pieper is the owner of The Musik Makers: The Music and Performing Arts Studio of Rebecca Pieper, where she teaches voice, piano, and theatre. Her multi-disciplinary, multi-teacher studio serves students locally and nationwide, offering private and group instruction, as well as music and theatre arts camps. In 2022, Rebecca was honored with the Music Teacher of the Year Award by the Friends of Music Association.  IN 2025 she will be a graduate of the Masters of Vocal Pedagogy Program with a Musical Theatre Emphasis at Westminster Choir College of Rider University. She also holds certifications in YogaVoice (Level 1), NeuroVocal Method and CCM Levels 1-3 from Shenandoah’s CCM Summer Institute.

    In addition to teaching, Rebecca enjoys a vibrant performance career that bridges musical theatre and opera. She is also an accomplished conductor, music director, and stage director, often leading pit orchestras from behind her keyboard or drum set at various colleges, universities, and theatres in the Lehigh Valley. Rebecca made her solo recital debut at Carnegie Hall at age 17. Her breakout moment came when she became the youngest member of the New York City Opera Forum to perform the lead role of Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro.

    Recent stage appearances include “Tanya” in Mamma Mia at NCC Summer Theatre. Other notable credits include Amalia (She Loves Me), Annie Oakley (Annie Get Your Gun), Sonia (They’re Playing Our Song), April (Company), Narrator (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), Carol (Laughter on the 23rd Floor), Irena (I Never Saw Another Butterfly), and Paquette (Candide). She is also the co-owner and music/artistic director of 514 Below, a group that produces and performs cabarets throughout the Lehigh Valley. 

    Rebecca is a passionate advocate for functional voice training, and empowers students to use their instruments confidently across genres, This coupled with her theatre/performance background helps her students to foster a deeper connection to their artistry.

    An accomplished presenter and clinician, she most recently shared her expertise at the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) National Conference in Knoxville. She is also slated to present at the International Congress of Voice Teachers in 2025.

    When not immersed in the performing arts, Rebecca enjoys spending quality time with her family, traveling, fitness, cooking, decorating, and doting on her spirited dogs.

  • Kelly Scott is a professional voice teacher, vocal coach, performer, and music director currently residing in Bellefonte, Pa. She is a graduate of the Steinhardt School at New York University holding a Masters of Music in Vocal Performance, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre from Wilkes University. Kelly is an active member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), the National Association for Music Educators (NAFME), the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), and the Pan American Vocology Association (PAVA).

    In 2014, Kelly made her debut at Carnegie Hall while performing with New York Lyric Opera singing the role of Juliette in Gounod's Romeo et Juliette. Less than a year later, Kelly would be seen again with New York Lyric Opera performing the role of La Fée in Massenet's Cendrillon. In 2016, Kelly made her European debut in Salzburg, Austria singing the role of Madame Herz in Mozart's comic opera Der Schauspieldirektor under the direction of Sandra Moon and John Fowler of the Metropolitan Opera. 

    Among Kelly's various opera credits, other previous major theatre credits include Gertrude McFuzz (Seussical the Musical) Mrs. Walker (The Who's Tommy) and Constanze (Amedeaus), all of which were recognized by the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for exceptional performances.

    Off stage, Kelly is a sought after music director and vocal coach, collaborating with regional and community theaters, local universities, and school districts across Pennsylvania. Notable music directing credits include Ride the Cyclone, Chicago, We Will Rock You,  Footloose, Holmes! The Musical (Premier), Mary Poppins, All Shook Up, Legally Blonde, and Willy Wonka.

    In 2023, Kelly was named as one of Pennsylvania Business Central's "Foremost Under 40", which aims to highlight the successful careers of emerging leaders across Pennsylvania. In 2024, Kelly was honored with the Joan Frey Boytim Award for Independent Voice Teachers through the National Association of Teachers of Singing, recognizing the top 15 independent voice teachers across the country.

    Also in 2024, Kelly Scott Studio's received a 1st place recognition of "Best New Business" in State College Magazine. Her students are currently national winners,  featured in off-broadway productions and in national tours across the country.

    @kellyscottstudios | www.kellyscottstudios.com

Maria Damore  |  1pm

The Journey to Mix and Belt Using

Somatic Voicework™ The LoVetri Method

Have you ever asked yourself: “Why can’t I belt those notes out without cracking or flipping into head?”, “Why is my head register so weak when I go from chest to head?” or “What does my body and my breathing have to do with any of this?”. In this session we’ll explore the areas of mixing and belting for CCM in this workshop designed to explain and demonstrate the path to achieving these skills. 

  • Maria Damore is a private voice teacher from Reading, PA, and Board Member/Senior Faculty at the LoVetri Institute for Somatic Voicework™. “Through Somatic Voicework™, I have gained a deeper understanding of the complex nature of the human voice, trained my ears to listen for vocal function, and learned how to devise exercises to meet a student’s needs in the moment, all while recognizing the importance of body, mind, and spirit in the singing process. I slowly recalibrated my own voice for balance and ease, and now help others in their journey toward vocal freedom.” 

    Maria teaches students ages 10 through adult, both online and in-person, with a focus on musical theatre, pop, jazz, rock, and beginner classical styles. The 2022 recipient of the Frank Scott award for contributions to Berks County’s Jazz Heritage, Maria has been an educator for Olivet Boys & Girls Club, adjudicator for NATS, and clinician for GetJazzED - Berks Jazz Fest Vocal Day. She has been featured in Classical Singer magazine, discussing her work in the original children’s jazz-opera, The Bear Prince, and her Greek folk music duo Stavros & Maria. Known as a versatile singer who easily crosses genres, Maria competed as a quarterfinalist in the 2018 American Traditions Vocal Competition in Savannah, Georgia and has demonstrated her skills in crossing genres for the Voice Foundation workshop in 2024 led by Jeanie LoVetri.

    Maria has performed in various shows and operas, with bands, ensembles, and as a soloist for churches, orchestras, and social groups. Roles include Mother/Witch in Hansel and Gretel, Mercedes in Carmen, Faust chorus (Berks Opera Company), Micaela cover (Concert Opera of Philadelphia), Eva Peron in Evita, Lily in The Secret Garden, Grizabella in Cats, Aldonza in Man of La Mancha, and the Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd. Be sure to listen to Maria’s jazz-flavored CD, “Moonglow,” and single, “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan. Maria holds a BA from Immaculata University, and an MSA from West Chester University, as well as graduate credit in Vocal Pedagogy from Shenandoah University. She is a member of NATS and PAVA and has studied with Toni Marie Palmertree, Tamara Black, Randi Marrazzo, John Nicholas Peters, and Jeanie LoVetri. For more information, visit www.mariadamore.com.

Navigating the German Opera System:

A Guide to the World’s Largest Opera Market

Michael Pegher  |  2pm

Germany is the world’s largest opera market, making it essential for young singers to understand how it works. Drawing from 14 years of experience in the German Fest system as both a singer and administrator, this session is aimed to equip emerging singers with the skills they need to navigate and succeed in this competitive industry. With insider knowledge of what casting directors look for, Michael provides invaluable guidance for those looking to build a career in Germany.

  • Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Michael Pegher is the founder and head of OPERASCOUT, a consultant and artist agency dedicated to educating singers from America's Universities and Young Artist Programs about the current state of the German opera market, and connecting them with German casting directors.

    Michael enjoyed an operatic career as a character tenor which led him to perform throughout Germany and America, performing over 70 roles and 900+ performances. Notable roles in his repertoire included Count Almaviva in Il Barbiere di Siviglia, David in Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Die Hexe in Hänsel und Gretel, Monostatos in Die Zauberflöte, Kudrjáš in Kátja Kabanová, and Albert in Albert Herring among others. Michael also had the privilege to perform the role of Robert Scott in the new production of Miroslav Srnka's South Pole.

    His engagements include appearances at the Saarländisches Staatstheater, Staatstheater Kassel, Nationaltheater Mannheim, Staatstheater Darmstadt, Staatstheater Mainz, Staatstheater Oldenburg, among others, and the hr-Sinfonieorchester in a concert performance of Strauss's Salome, which was recorded for commercial release. 

    Michael served in the administration of the Staatstheater Darmstadt as the Personal Assistant/Advisor (Referent) to the Intendant. He was also the head of corporate sponsorship and the theater liaison to the Hessian Ministry of Science and the Arts.

    The recipient of a 2012 stipend from the Richard Wagner Verband Bremen, Michael received his BM from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and his MM from Miami University. He studied with such notable teachers and coaches as David Adams, Benjamin Smolder, Sylvia Plyler, Donna Brunsma, and Maestro Lorenzo Malfatti.

    Along with his operatic career, Michael is co-founder and Head of Artist Acquisition and Promotion for Künstlermeile, an artist agency dedicated to representing highly qualified artists for supplementary jobs and recitals. Michael was also the co-founder and co-host of the world famous podcast "Sex, Drugs, & Opera"

Cross Training:  A Practical Approach

for Singers and Voice Teachers

Jonathan Price |  3pm

Whether you are a classical singer looking to lend some authenticity to your musical theater selection, a commercial music teacher wanting to investigate new vocal colors with a student, or a musical theater performer trying to keep your voice flexible on tour, cross training may be a helpful tool. In this session, we will explore how to integrate cross-training into your current vocal routine. Topics explored will include laryngeal stability vs. flexibility, fold level registration, and resonance tracking and the influence of acoustic registers.

  • Praised by Opera Wire for his “effortless” and “ringing” tenor, Jonathan Price has performed leading roles in opera and concert throughout North America and Europe. Most recently, Mr. Price returned from a touring production of Bizet’s Carmen with Opera Pannonica in cooperation with the Jeunesses Musicales organization in the Istria region of Croatia. Other professional credits include:  Tamino in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, Rodolfo in Puccini’s La Boheme, Lenski in Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, Jeník in Smetana’s The Bartered Bride, and False Dmitry/Grigory in Mussorgsky’s Boris Godunov. He has appeared with companies such as Washington National Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, and Bronx Opera. Jonathan has presented his “crossover” concert, featuring vocal selections from western classical art song to pop-influenced musical theater for University Voice and Theatre departments across the country.

    Jonathan is a sought-after New York City based voice teacher and pedagogue. Jonathan’s clients have appeared in lead roles in the Broadway, National, and International Touring companies of a wide variety of shows including Ain’t Too Proud, Waitress, Shrek, and West Side Story. He holds voice faculty positions with Rider University and Marymount Manhattan College. He is the Assistant Director of the Voice Pedagogy Institute at Westminster Choir College, President of the New Jersey chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, and serves on the Board of Directors of NYSTA. Jonathan also serves as a lecturer, focusing primarily on musical theater voice pedagogy and crossover singing and has presented master classes and pedagogy lectures for Georgia College and State University, the University of North Georgia, the Stilson Institute, and the Loyola Voice Symposium at Loyola University in New Orleans. Jonathan holds a Master of Music degree and Performance Studies Certificate in Voice Performance from The Boston Conservatory and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music.