Breakout Sessions + Meet the Clinicians
Dr. Stephen Neely | 10am & 11am
Getting Your Groove on
through Dalcroze Eurhythmics
Utilizing improvisation and movement to awaken the attentions, the roles, and the responsibilities of the performing artist, The Dalcroze strategies provide deeply powerful tools for artistic, personal, and social awareness. We will explore these different outcomes of the Eurhythmics classroom, as participants play, collaborate, and explore music together in a joy-filled session that will awaken the artistic spirit, teach communication between performers, and foster deep musicianship in the participating actors. (Note: This session is shoes and socks off!)
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Dr. Stephen Neely, PhD, Carnegie Mellon University Milton and Cynthia Friedman Associate Professor of Music, Director of Graduate Studies, and Director of the Carnegie Mellon Marta Sanchez Dalcroze Training Center at Carnegie Mellon School of Music. He is a teacher, conductor, theorist, writer, and clinician who lectures and presents workshops in the fields of music, design, architecture, and pedagogy. He holds the Dalcroze License and is a past President of the Dalcroze Society of America.
He teaches Dalcroze Eurhythmics and Dalcroze Pedagogy for the Carnegie Mellon University School of Music, having taught every BFA in Music Performance and Composition at CMU since 1999. He taught Dalcroze Eurhythmics and directed the Opera Workshop at Pittsburgh's High School for the Creative and Performing Arts for 23 years (1994–2018), served as Chorusmaster for Opera Theater of Pittsburgh from 1999–2010, and was a featured speaker at TEDxCMU 2012.
In addition to his duties at Carnegie Mellon, Stephen is faculty for the Houston Grand Opera Butler Studio Emerging Artist Program, Co-Chair of the International Conference of Dalcroze Studies, co-founder and co-host of the Virtual Dalcroze Meet-up, special faculty for the Tepper School of Business Executive Education team, and an author. His newest book, Make it Music — Dalcroze Strategies for Every Classroom, is an invaluable resource for classroom teachers interested in including more movement activities in their practice.
Recording Studio Tour
Patrick Long | 12pm
Join Patrick Long, Dean of the Schools of the Arts and Humanities at Susquehanna Unviersity, for a guided tour of the recording studio on campus.
*More information to come*
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A versatile performer and prolific composer, Patrick Long holds degrees from Syracuse University and the Eastman School of Music. Though he has completed over 100 premiered compositions for traditional performing forces, including soloists, chamber ensembles, orchestras, choirs, and bands, he is best known for his “computer music theater” works that incorporate storytelling, live performers, interactive electronics, and performance-driven multi-media.
He has collaborated through commissions and performances with hundreds of notable soloists and ensembles and has performed his own works in solo recitals and at festivals throughout the world. Many dozens of his works have been professionally recorded and can be found on the usual streaming services or through his website:
www.computermusictheater.comPatrick Long currently serves as Professor of Music and Dean of the Schools of the Arts and Humanities at Susquehanna.
Exploring Off the Beaten Path Art Song Repertoire:
Vocal Works by Nordic Women Composers
Dr. Amanda Russo Stante | 1pm*
This inspiring lecture recital will be bring to life stunning vocal works by Scandinavian women whose music deserves far wider recognition. Designed for both students and teachers of voice, this session introduces compelling, performance-ready repertoire alongside practical tools for success, including accessible Nordic diction resources and curated online databases for continued exploration Come expand your repertoire, deepen your knowledge, and uncover powerful voices!
*Runs concurrent with session below
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Dr. Amanda Russo Stante (she/her) is Assistant Professor of Music (Voice) at Susquehanna University. A Pittsburgh native, she earned her B.F.A. in Voice Performance with a minor in German from Carnegie Mellon University, followed by her M.M. and D.M. from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.
A versatile lyric mezzo-soprano, Amanda has performed a wide range of roles, including the title characters in Handel’s Serse and Massenet’s Cendrillon, Hansel in Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, and Octavian in Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier. Her performance experience includes engagements with The Glimmerglass Festival, Central City Opera, Indiana University Opera Theater, and appearances at The Kennedy Center. She has also appeared as soloist with ensembles such as the Budapest Concert Orchestra, the Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh, and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
Before joining the faculty at Susquehanna University, Amanda taught courses at the IU Jacobs School of Music and served on the voice faculty at Indiana State University. She has also taught in the IU College Audition Preparation Program, at New England Music Camp, and in Carnegie Mellon University’s Pre-College Program.
An active member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), Amanda has presented at chapter auditions and conferences and will co-host the 2026 NATS Eastern Region Conference at Susquehanna University.
From Stage to (smaller) Screen:
Social Media & Branding for Performers
Kelly Scott | 1pm
Social media can feel overwhelming for performers and teachers alike, especially when it starts to feel like one more thing you have to keep up with. This session breaks down how to use social media as a tool for visibility, credibility, and connection without feeling fake, salesy, or constantly behind. We’ll clarify what branding really means as a performer, identify what you want to be known for, and explore simple strategies for standing out online while still being authentically you.
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Kelly Scott is a voice teacher, vocal coach, performer, and music director based in Bellefonte, PA. As an active member of NATS, Kelly currently serves as the Vice President of the Allegheny Mountain Chapter, as well on the Eastern Region Board as the Social Media and Website Manager, and is a proud 2024 Joan Frey Boytim Award recipient. In addition to NATS, she is an active member of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), the National Association for Music Educators (NAfME) and the Pan American Vocology Association (PAVA).
A versitile teacher and performer, Kelly 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. 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. Recently in 2026, Kelly was honored again in Pennsylvania Business Central in their feature Top 100 People to Watch of 2026.
Kelly’s vocal studio, Kelly Scott Studios, 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
Exploring Off the Beaten Path Art Song Repertoire:
Vocal Works of Chaminade, Pfitzner and Schreker
David Steinau | 2pm*
A survey of the sizeable vocal repertoire of Cecile Chaminade, Hans Pfitzner and Franz Schreker, whose songs have been recorded and are readily available in print but remain infrequently performed in recital. Session will include a look at songs suitable for college-level study.
*Runs concurrent with session below
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David Steinau, tenor, teaches voice at Susquehanna University. He also directs the Opera Studio and has staged the department’s productions of Gianni Schicchi, Suor Angelica, The Mikado, Street Scene, and Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo, along with several opera rareties, including Krása’s Brundibár, Ullmann’s The Emperor of Atlantis, and Martinů’s Ariane. He also has conducted Susquehanna’s productions of Sondheim’s Passion and Into the Woods and Weill’s The Threepenny Opera. A performer in opera and concert, he has sung the leading tenor roles in The Barber of Seville, The Magic Flute, Cosi fan tutte, La Boheme, Manon, Die Fledermaus and Albert Herring, among others.
His academic interests include the music of the German composer Hanns Eisler, who was a frequent collaborator of the poet and playwright Bertolt Brecht. He has lectured on Eisler and Brecht and performed recitals of their vocal works at numerous conferences in the U.S. and Europe. He was also a visiting scholar at Stanford University participating in a National Endowment for the Humanities seminar, which examined the German-speaking artists, including Eisler, who settled in California during World War II.
Mic Check in the Recital Hall:
Making Space for Commercial Music
Brandon Martinez | 2pm
Join in the conversation of how students and teachers can encourage and implement the incorporation of CCM styles into their academic recitals. We will discuss choosing repertoire, programming, and embracing the emotional and artistic connection with these choices.
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Singer, songwriter, and voice teacher Brandon Martinez is an advocate for vocal artists of all styles and works to champion their value and importance in and outside the voice studio.
He is an Assistant Professor of Music (Voice) at Millersville University of Pennsylvania and serves as Coordinator of the Voice Department. There he teaches applied voice to students across the styles of pop, rock, folk, soul, jazz, musical theater, classical, and more.
As a performer he has sung on the opera, concert, and recital stages. He has also found an artistic home in the commercial music field as a lead singer with the Arch Street Band in Boston, MA.
He holds a B.M. in Vocal Performance from Texas Christian University, M.M.
in Vocal Performance from New England Conservatory of Music and a M.M. in Vocal
Pedagogy from New England Conservatory.
Vocal Wellness: An Introduction,Tools, and Strategies
for Maintaining Vocal Health and Longevity
Eric Balboni | 3pm
This presentation will serve as an introduction or refresher for general vocal wellness. Alongside the information will be practical tools and strategies to build singing habits that will keep your voice feeling great.
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Eric Balboni (he/him) enjoys a teaching career that includes work in colleges and universities as well as private voice instruction, music directing and accompanying singers for recitals and recording sessions! He is currently an assistant professor of musical theater at CT State Community College Norwalk and works with students in person in Massachusetts and New York, and virtually throughout the country (and sometimes the globe!).
Eric is committed to a path of lifelong learning, which includes mentorship, engaging with his community of voice professionals through organizations like NATS and PAVA, attending workshops, reading a lot of nerdy stuff, and formal voice pedagogy training. He holds a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance and an Advanced Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy from New York University.
www.ericbalboni.com or @balbonivoicestudio on instagram
From Page to Performance: Acting Through Song
Rebecca Pieper + Kelly Scott | 4pm
This interactive breakout session explores practical tools for bringing songs to life through intentional storytelling. Participants will receive guided deliverables focused on backstory, character development, objectives and tactics, subtext, authenticity, and emotional specificity. Through clear, repeatable frameworks, attendees will learn how to translate dramatic analysis into compelling, truthful performance choices. While the session is geared toward singers, it also offers practical strategies for teachers seeking to strengthen their students’ storytelling skills within the voice studio.
In addition, 2–3 student performers will have the opportunity to work directly with the clinicians, applying these concepts in real time to refine both their acting and vocal delivery.
Students interested in performing should submit the form at the link below.
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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.
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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
