"The private lessons and coachings with different teachers helped me immensely; they gave me a chance to try different techniques and approaches."

Steven Rickards, codirector of VAI, has received international acclaim as one of America's finest countertenors. He sings and teaches internationally and has earned advanced degrees from Indiana University and Florida State University.

Penny Jenkinscodirector of VAI, has built an international reputation as a singing teacher and teaches choral scholars at Cambridge University. She has broadcast for the BBC, worked in film and TV as a voice coach, and has recorded with the Oriana Consort and Brighton Chamber Choir.

Daniel C. Blosser,is an active conductor, singer, and educator in Indiana and throughout the Midwest. He serves on the voice faculty at UIndy, is the Artistic Director of the Masterworks Chorale in Muncie, and teaches music at Covenant Christian High School in Indianapolis. He holds a MM in Choral Conducting from Indiana University and a BM in Music Education from the University of Indianapolis. He also has soloed professionally with orchestras and choirs across Indiana.

Amy Eggleston,coaching, is a staff coach/accompanist at the University of Indianapolis, where she also teaches diction and directs opera scenes. She holds degrees and diplomas from the University of Cincinnati, Indiana University and the Peabody Conservatory.

Dr. Kathleen Hacker,In addition to her duties as chair of the Music Department and director of Vocal Studies at UIndy, Dr. Kathleen Hacker, has an eclectic singing career that spans the United States. She holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music and Indiana University.

Elisabeth Honn Hoegberg, theory, voice is a member of the music faculty at the University of Indianapolis, where she teaches voice and theory. She has also taught at Oberlin Conservatory and Indiana University where she received a doctoral degree in music theory.

Doug King,stage director, choreographer, has worked extensively as an actor throughout the US and Canada. Doug works nationally with high school and college groups. Most of his current work can be seen at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis.

Dr. Alan Montgomery,coach/ accompanist, has been the assistant music director of the Oberlin Opera Theatre since 1979. He also is a conductor, composer and author. He holds a DM from Indiana University.

Maureen Walton, piano, is an accompanist and music coordinator at the Center for Performing and Visual Arts at Broad Ripple High School, where she is also an instructor of voice and piano. She performs with many Indianapolis-based organizations including the Indianapolis Symphony.