Jason Vest

As a soloist, tenor Jason Vest has been featured with Amarillo Opera, the Stara Zagora and Plovdiv opera houses in Bulgaria, Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, and many others. Vest has worked with composers to premiere their works in roles he originated or debuted, such as Douglas Pew’s “The Good Shepherd” and Bradley Ellingboe’s “Star Song.” As a recitalist, Vest has performed for the Mexico Liederfest in Monterrey and the Vocal Artistry Art Song Festival in Albuquerque. He is a member of the Grammy award-winning choral group Conspirare, under the direction of Craig Hella Johnson, and the Vocal Arts Ensemble in Cincinnati. Vest is assistant provost and associate professor of voice at Northern Kentucky University.

Teaching Perspective : Voice Teachers on Young Artist Programs

After years of training with a teacher, you are ready to make the move on from university training. What can you expect vocally when you do so? Two voice teachers provide their views of what it takes to gain entrance to and survive a Young Artist Program.

Jul 01 Jason Vest

Being Prepared for Young Artist Auditions : An Interview with Peter Kazaras

From law school to a singing career to his current role as artistic director of Seattle Opera’s Young Artists Program, Peter Kazaras is not your typical guy. From his atypical career path, Kazaras has learned what matters most for singers, wisdom that he imparts here and will continue to share at the upcoming Classical Singer Convention.

May 01 Jason Vest

The Teacher’s Corner : The Best of Both Worlds

Many singers often think of teaching as a more family-friendly career path. One singer, who chose to teach for this and other reasons, shares how he has found balancing career and family in his first few years of university teaching—including a few less-than-family-friendly surprises along the way.

Feb 01 Jason Vest

Singing as a Team Sport : The Baldwin-Wallace Art Song Festival

Read about a unique program that focuses on art song and pianist/singer collaboration as it prepares to celebrate 25 years in 2010.

Jan 01 Jason Vest

The Legacy of Richard Miller : Remembering a Vocal Giant

It is difficult, if not impossible, to find anyone in the singing world who doesn’t know the name Richard Miller. Perhaps one, two, or many of his books line your shelves, or maybe he visited your university for one of his many masterclasses. Perhaps your voice teacher quoted him in the studio, or you sang with one of his former students in a recent gig. Whatever your encounter with this remarkable man, learn more here about his extraordinary life from those who knew him best.

Jul 01 Jason Vest

Practice Makes Perfect : An Interview with Cliff Jackson, Classical Singer's 2009 Coach of the Year

Cliff Jackson has spent more than 30 years collaborating with singers at all levels. His career has taken him to some of the grandest halls in the world playing with some of the most famous singers. But perhaps his greatest impact has been in his everyday work with the yet-to-be-discovered singers at the University of Kentucky, inspiring and influencing them to greater artistic achievement.

Jun 01 Jason Vest

A Career in Comprimario : Is It for You?

Does the old adage “There are no small parts, only small actors” hold true in opera, too? Three truly great singers of comprimario roles weigh in to answer the question.

May 01 Jason Vest

Creating Your Own On-Campus Performing Opportunities

Performing, performing, performing. That’s the name of the game as a young singer working to build a résumé. But what if your college or university falls short in providing these opportunities? Don’t sit on your hands feeling sorry for yourself. Consider other possibilities for creating your own performance opportunities.

Sep 01 Jason Vest

Electing the Best Electives

Even within the rigorous schedule of required music classes, students must choose those pesky electives. Will some classes help you more after college than others? Don’t be afraid to step out of the music building and exercise that left brain with classes that will prove beneficial in your singing career.