Dr. Debra Capener, Soprano, is currently serving as Interim Area Head of Vocal Studies at St.Thomas and teaches Performance Studies and Performance Studio Classes. Dr. Capener specializes in vocal cross training and embraces both contemporary and classical pedagogies in her work with students, many of whom have gone on to place in competitions such as NATS, Classical Singer, and The Voice. She holds additional teaching specialist certifications from the Contemporary and Commercial Music Pedagogy Program at Shenandoah Conservatory as well as Level II certification in Alexander work through the Total Vocal Freedom program.
A classically trained Soprano, Dr. Capener has performed roles in Opera and Oratorio, and as a recitalist, has performed throughout Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic. She has a special interest in the music of both historical and contemporary female composers and enjoys researching, performing and sharing this important literature with her students.