Meet The Bayer Fund Artists-in-Training Program Faculty
The Bayer Fund Artists-in-Training Program (AIT) has been shaping young talent for over 30 years, offering top-tier vocal training and life-changing opportunities. But behind every great student is a dedicated faculty of coaches, pianists, and educators who make it all possible.
As we gear up for a new season, we asked our AIT faculty three questions to learn what inspires them, what makes this program unique, and why they love being part of it. Meet the team behind AIT’s success!
Photo from chamberchorus.org
Diana L. Umali
Associate Professor of Music, Southwestern Illinois College
Webster University AIT Studio
When did you start working with OTSL’s Artists-in-Training Program?
I began working with AIT in fall 2021.
What is your favorite part about being a part of AIT?
My favorite part is working with the talented young singers and the other AIT faculty. It is incredibly meaningful to watch and hear these students develop musically throughout the year.
What makes this program stand out in St. Louis and beyond?
I think one of the most important aspects of the AIT program is all of the opportunities and events that the AIT students have throughout the year: masterclasses, field trips, attending live performances, for example. However, I also think it’s such a wonderful opportunity for them to meet fellow vocal students from all over the St. Louis area and hear what their peers are doing! There’s a genuine camaraderie with each AIT class, and it’s fun to see them encouraging each other.
​Martha J. Hart
Director of Vocal Studies, Retired
Webster University AIT Studio
When did you start working with OTSL’s Artists-in-Training Program?
I began the fall of 2016.
What is your favorite part about being a part of AIT?
There are so many. The entire team of administrative staff with Allison Felter and Morgan Fisher, the collaborative pianists and other voice teacher colleagues make this such a pleasure. Allison and Morgan make us feel so supported in all we do and provide guidance and so many wonderful experiences for the students and their families. They truly build an artistic community.
Working with students who are excited about learning and watching their progress, especially as they also learn from each other.
Having contact with the guest artists who teach the residency programs and serve as adjudicators is also a tremendous enhancement for the students and serves as further inspiration for us as teachers.
While there are expectations, there is a positive approach to the entire program, allowing students to feel supported as they make progress but being fully aware of what it takes to become a professional.
What makes this program stand out in St. Louis and beyond?
This program offers opportunities to students from different areas of St Louis and Illinois and brings them together in the common cause of developing their singing and artistic abilities. The entire approach, beyond their lessons, to give students exposure to concerts, recitals, operas, masterclasses, visits to college campuses and assistance in preparing for collegiate auditions is second to none. So many of the students from the program go on to major in music, some becoming professional singers, and others, having been imbued with a sense of creativity and self-confidence, have been well-prepared to go into whatever field they choose.
To say that in High School you worked with artists like Denyce Graves, Kevin Short, Christine Brewer, Harolyn Blackwell, and Justin Austin is amazing! How many programs can boast that kind of roster? This is something particularly unique and provides strength for the development of these students.
It is an honor to teach in this program.
Karen Kanakis
Vocal Coach & Teacher
University of Missouri – St. Louis AIT Studio
When did you start working with OTSL’s Artists-in-Training Program?
This is my third year teaching for AIT — I started in the Fall of 2022.
What is your favorite part about being a part of AIT?
I absolutely love teaching singers, and watching them grow in confidence and artistry.
What makes this program stand out in St. Louis and beyond?
AIT is a one-of-a-kind program serving talented High School students in a variety of ways: Singers receive weekly voice lessons and coachings, masterclasses with world-renowned guest clinicians, and performances opportunities, and they also attend a variety of artistic events in the greater metro area as well as optional college tours. The program is well-rounded and uniquely situated.
Dr. Marc Schapman
Professor of Voice
Music Department Chair, Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville
Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville AIT Studio
When did you start working with OTSL’s Artists-in-Training Program?
I have been teaching in AIT since 2008 as the voice teacher for the SIUE studio.
What is your favorite part about being a part of AIT?
My favorite part of AIT is seeing students form new friendships within the program. They meet so many like-minded peers, and it’s been a joy to watch those connections grow and last over the years!
What makes this program stand out in St. Louis and beyond?
What makes this program truly stand out is the unwavering commitment from OTSL. Everyone supports these young singers and champions their success as they step into their professional careers. There’s nothing else quite like it.
Joseph Welch
Pianist, Coach, & Teacher
University of Missouri – St. Louis AIT Studio
When did you start working with OTSL’s Artists-in-Training Program?
I began working with AIT in 2017.
What is your favorite part about being a part of AIT?
My favorite part of AIT is when we’re all in the same room together. The individual progress each week is fun, but seeing the students and faculty together at the Winter Residency and Spring Recital is the best part.
What makes this program stand out in St. Louis and beyond?
I think the thing that makes AIT stand out in St. Louis and beyond is how truly unbelievable it is. Any time I am sharing about the program, people are amazed at the never-ending opportunities our students receive beyond lessons and coachings: winter retreat, college retreat, college tour, scholarships, seeing performances, scholarships after graduating from the program . . . the list is remarkable!
Sandra Geary
Pianist, Coach
Washington University AIT Studio
When did you start working with OTSL’s Artists-in-Training Program?
I have been a pianist/coach for AIT since 2015.
What is your favorite part about being a part of AIT?
My favorite parts are:
a) working with our students and seeing them develop their skills in working on their music, performing in public and being confident in what they have learned and worked on over the duration of their AIT experiences.
b) building meaningful relationships with our students, celebrating their successes and encouraging them in their future endeavors.
c) the camaraderie between coaches and teachers over the years is special. I always enjoy seeing my colleagues at the end of semester residencies and recitals.
What makes this program stand out in St. Louis and beyond?
This is the only program that I know of that spans the entire year for our age group of AIT students. Having the consistency of weekly lessons is vitally important for our young singers.
We are very lucky to have wonderful OTSL staff at the helm of this program and also, financial support from the Bayer Fund.
Mary Noël Prince
Lecturer and Teacher, Retired
Washington University AIT Studio
When did you start working with OTSL’s Artists-in-Training Program?
I’ve been teaching in the AIT program since 2008. I’ve done a lot of teaching around town, for various universities and programs, for 25 years or so. Nothing compares to the Artists-in-Training Program…a unique opportunity for students AND teachers to experience something truly special and abundantly rewarding.
What is your favorite part about being a part of AIT?
As voice teachers in AIT, we are typically faculty members at colleges and universities, primarily spending time with 18-22 yr olds. As a private teacher, my favorite age to teach has always been high schoolers. This time of development is so crucial in getting singers off to a good and healthy start on their vocal journey. AIT has provided this opportunity to hundreds of students–many that wouldn’t have otherwise been able to develop their talents. As a faculty member, I’ve met and worked with countless students that I wouldn’t have connected with if it weren’t for this program. I’ve been enriched by their diverse backgrounds and unique talents — truly, the reward as a teacher is immeasurable. Some overcome societal and economic hurdles, and nearly 100% of our graduates attend college — pursuing a wide range of careers — and many keep in touch! I find this to be a joyful reward that keeps on giving! These kids develop relationships with each other that wouldn’t have happened without AIT. School districts from north, south, east and west of our metro area come together to learn–about music and each other. So needed today! So enriching for everyone involved! Hearing the incredible vocal development of those pursuing performance degrees, seeing the honing of reading skills, analytical skills, language and diction skills– the development of a work ethic that a professional career in music requires — it is indescribable. And hearing of their successes in the field — awards, performances — it is thrilling. For those pursuing other professions — law, medicine, engineering, business, teaching, –music remains a part of their lives, both in college and beyond.
What makes this program stand out in St. Louis and beyond?
The contributions music makes in our lives is something unique and immeasurable. The joy of teaching music is a gift. The opportunities AIT is providing are quite remarkable: a preparatory program; financial support for AIT tuition costs; transportation if needed; countless scholarships for college and graduate school; tickets and group attendance at a variety of musical and cultural events around town; college visits — truly, there is nothing like it in our area and beyond. I am grateful for my own enrichment and education through this AIT teaching experience.
Nancy Mayo
Pianist, Coach
Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville AIT Studio
When did you start working with OTSL’s Artists-in-Training Program?
I taught from 2006-2017 and returned in 2023.
What is your favorite part about being a part of AIT?
I love watching the learning process. Each singer brings a unique personality and mind to learning. I learn so much from them as we work together. It is both hard work and incredibly fun!
What makes this program stand out in St. Louis and beyond?
We are equipping the students with the ability to focus, accomplish something they don’t think they can do (foreign languages, melismas, memorizing a strophic piece, etc), and to be pleased with their work.. This follows them into any avenue they decide to pursue. Some do pursue music so they have a head start on many of their colleagues in college. And I love the access to successful professional artists in the program. That is invaluable and has had such a positive influence on lives and decision-making.
Explore the 2025 Festival Season
Season tickets on sale now! Save up to 15% off and snag exclusive subscriber benefits.
