Seth Killen, D.M.A.

“Just like that, when the choir begins to sing. . . everyday life vanishes into song, you are suddenly overcome with a feeling of brotherhood, of deep solidarity, even love, and it diffuses the ugliness of everyday life into a spirit of perfect communion.” --Muriel Barbery from her novel Elegance of the Hedgehog

• Teaching & Education

  You will learn with me when taking courses in Voice Pedagogy.

  Degrees

  M.M. Voice Performance and Literature, University of Illinois
  D.M.A. Voice Performance with a cognate in Voice Pedagogy, University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM)

• Professional Experience

  My experience includes serving on the Advisory Board of the South Carolina chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. I have also participated in a teaching internship with the National Association of Teachers of Singing and have had regular performances throughout the region. My experience in teaching includes Privates studio, Faculty at Transylvania University, and Faculty at Eastern Illinois University.
  

• Articles Published

  Evangelist, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio
  Pickens Concert Choir, Liberty, South Carolina

  Tenor Soloist, Messiah
  Foothills Chorale, Seneca, South Carolina

  Giles Corey, The Crucible
  Greenville Light Opera Works, Greenville, South Carolina

  Tenor Soloist, The Crucifixion by John Stainer
  Clemson United Methodist Church, Clemson, South Carolina

  Tenor Soloist, The Crucifixion by John Stainer Saint Mark United Methodist Church, Seneca, South Carolina

  Tenor Soloist, Mozart’s Requiem
  Southern Wesleyan University, Central, South Carolina

  José the Ferret, Phinneas McBoof Crashes the Symphony
  Recording with Nathan Gunn, Isabel Leonard and Prague Symphony

  Tenor Soloist, Messiah
  First Presbyterian Church, Greenville, South Carolina

  King Kaspar, Amahl and the Night Visitors
  Greenville Light Opera Works, Greenville, South Carolina

  Tenor Soloist, Carmina Burana
  Eastern Symphony Orchestra, Charleston, Illinois

  Tenor Soloist, Serenade to Music
  Eastern Symphony Orchestra, Charleston, Illinois

  Tenor Soloist, Mozart’s Requiem
  Sinfonia da Camera, Champaign, Illinois

• Awards Received

  Faculty Research Award—NGU
  Redden Fund Grant from the EIU Foundation
  Emilie M. Dieterle Voice Award from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
  First place at the National Society of Arts and Letters Competition Illinois District
  Monetary award for career development from National Society of Arts and Letters
  Dorothy E. Bowen Award from the University of Illinois recognizing outstanding scholarship and professional development
  “List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent by Their Students” at the University of Illinois

• My Story

  My introduction to music, like many of my students, was very unconventional. During high school, I lived in a rural area where music lessons were not possible, and I attended a high school with no music program. Undeterred, my friends and I decided to raise the money to start a handbell choir, and I taught myself to play the piano through persistence and grit. So, it was rather confusing to my University professors when I showed up and declared a major in music. I had developed some skills through handbells and by teaching myself to play the piano but had absolutely no knowledge of music theory. Thankfully, I was surrounded by caring professors who recognized this raw talent and worked diligently to nurture my skills and fill in the gaps of what I had missed. This experience was formative in the way that I now approach my students. Former experience, or lack thereof, does not determine where you can go in music. Your work ethic, grit, and determination are the biggest predictors of your future, and I am willing to match your effort bit-by-bit to help you reach your goals.

• Related Links

  Explore more resources related to this field of study:

  • National Association of Teachers of Singing, South Carolina Chapter
  • National Association of Teachers of Singing