“Crouse...practically stops the show with her soaring rendition of the beloved anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.”
“Mezzo-soprano Courtney Crouse has redefined the boundaries of traditional academic and popular performance practices, crafting a powerful narrative that weaves seamlessly through the fabric of music history. Her innovative work, A Modern Frauen Lieben und Leben, transcends expectations, blending unique collaborations with theater, vocalists, instrumentalists, and cutting-edge technology.
This groundbreaking performance sets a new standard for modern classical artistry, showcasing a bold and deeply resonant vision that elevates the genre to new heights.”
“With her mighty voice, Courtney Crouse, whose Lyric credits include “Carousel,” “Master Class” and “A Little Night Music,” sounds magnificent on “My Favorite Things,” “Maria” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” but she also brings a wonderful warmth and understanding to the role of Mother Abbess.”
Education
BA in Vocal Performance from Texas Wesleyan University
Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Indiana University
Doctor of Music in Vocal Performance, Music History and Stage Direction of Opera from Indiana University
Lifelong learner :)
“I have been performing since I was 3 when my parents asked the music director of our church in Dallas if I should be taking voice lessons. The director was reticent at first, but heard me and quickly changed their tune. I never stopped wanting to make music from that moment on. In fact, I loved music and making living art so much that I got three degrees in it and was inspired to teach others to sing and perform.
I moved to NYC after finishing doctoral coursework at the renowned Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where I studied with the operatic superstar, Carol Vaness as well as vocal pedagogue, Paul Kiesgen who lit the flame to pursue deeper scientific understanding of the voice. In New York I performed and quickly had a highly successful voice studio in Manhattan with a roster of students performing at opera houses and on Broadway.
As a performer in NYC, I had the privilege to work with a company, The Coterie, that was devoted to new operatic works that blended the musical theater and operatic worlds, as well as the with the renowned Summerscape Festival in upstate NY, at Carnegie Hall, as a soloist with The New York Virtuoso Singers, and with the international Baroque ensemble L’harmonie de saison.
Teaching began calling my name loudly, and I soon found myself on faculty at the incredible Oklahoma City University Wanda L. Bass School of Music training the next generations to perform opera and musical theater. It has been one of the greatest joys of my life, continuing to learn to be a better teacher for my students. Inspiring others to be curious about their craft and to embrace the journey of a life in the arts.
During my time in Oklahoma I have found a performing home with the guitar duo Crouse Denman who performs in Spain and across the United States, as a soloist with Tactus Chamber Ensemble, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, the Oklahoma City Jazz Orchestra and especially with the amazing Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma.
Recently, I began writing articles for Classical Singer Magazine, one article of which went viral. This new found desire to write is leading me towards a book. Stay tuned!
In the meantime, the convergence of these passions, performing, teaching, directing, research, writing, and my penchant for pushing the boundaries of art song recital, which was born early in my academic career, incited thoughts of creating art song recital for the new century. I am very excited to continue to explore these ideas and look forward to new collaborations!”
