Lara Wilson

Dr. Lara Wilson has been performing nationally and teaching voice for over 25 years and is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Voice at Valdosta State University. Her research centers on vocal cross-training, a method of teaching multiple styles aimed at a more flexible, successful singer. She’s taught at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and Coker University specializing in contemporary and classical vocal styles. Dr. Wilson also taught Music Entrepreneurship at The University of South Carolina and voice at Lee Correctional Institution, a maximum-security prison in South Carolina, as a part of the Carnegie Hall chamber ensemble De Coda’s outreach initiative and anti-recidivism program, Music for Transformation.

In 2007, Dr. Wilson co-founded the Charleston Chamber Opera, producing and directing creatively staged performances for the Piccolo Spoleto Festival and for audiences throughout South Carolina. Her recent performances include appearances with the VSU Pops in the Park and the Darkwater Women in Music Festival, the Aiken Symphony and the Columbia Choral Society. Dr. Wilson also performed with the Greenville Light Opera as Ruth in The Pirates of Penzance and Lady Jane in Patience for the Camp Hill Light Opera, PA. She 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. Additional main-stage credits comprise 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. Apprenticeships include Des Moines Metro Opera and Sarasota Opera, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis and Artist in Residence with Tulsa Opera.

Dr. Wilson was a lead singer in the rock band 48 Fables and is currently a professional voice-over actress and singer in the jazz combo Eleven11. She 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.