Mary Joy Nelson

Style: Pop; Opera; Jazz; Folk; Gospel; Rock; Classical; Musical Theatre

Bio: Mary Joy Nelson has been teaching youth and children in the performing arts for 20 years. She is active as a vocal instructor in Lexington, KY, maintaining a private studio of classical, crossover and musical theatre students from kindergarten to college. She teaches classes for the MT Certificate program at the University of Kentucky. As a vocal coach, music director, and casting director, she has worked on numerous musical productions, including UK Theatre Department (Once On This Island 2017, Hair 2015, A Christmas Carol 2013, Spring Awakening 2013), Woodford County Theatre (Scrooge 2011), and KCT Summerfest Summerstock (Legally Blonde 2012), and UK Opera Theatre children’s choruses and children’s operas (Little Nemo in Sluberland 2014, Les Miserables 2013, Brundibar 2012, La Boheme 2007/2011, It’s a Grand Night for Singing 2004-present). Before moving to Lexington, KY to pursue a master’s degree and then a doctorate in Vocal Performance, she had the honor of working as a vocal specialist for the Saskatchewan Choral Federation, North Battleford Children’s Choir and Teen Choir, and the North Battleford Community Youth Choir. Ms. Nelson is a graduate of the University of Regina, Saskatchewan (BMusEd) and received a Masters in Voice from the University of Kentucky, where she currently pursues a doctoral degree. Ms. Nelson has served as the program director for the Saskatchewan Express Musical Theatre studio summer programs, ArtSchool Saskatchewan, and for Centenary United Methodist Youth choirs in Lexington. In 2010, she served as the Youth Coordinator for the World Equestrian Games opening ceremonies, working with Global Creative Connection’s production team to assist 156 students in preparing to perform in the opening ceremonies of the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY. In partnership with Global Creative Connections, Ms. Nelson has prepared children’s vocal ensembles to perform for former President Bill Clinton at the Lexington Speech and Hearing Foundation Gala (2010) and for Laura Bush at the “Day Among Friends” literacy event in Lexington, KY (2011). Mary Joy Nelson founded the Academy for Creative Excellence preparatory program for the University of Kentucky and currently serves as the Executive Director of InnOVATION Arts Academy, a new children's performing arts training program (www.innovationarts.net). Ms. Nelson's students students have performed on broadway and on national tours, received awards at local and national competitions, attended the Governor School for the Arts in voice and musical theatre, and have gone on to attend vocal and musical theatre degree programs at prestigious colleges and universities throughout Canada and the United States.

Voice Type: Soprano

Music Styles Taught: Pop; Opera; Jazz; Folk; Gospel; Rock; Classical; Musical Theatre

Availability: I am available as a performer; I have a wait-list for private lessons; I am currently accepting private students; I am available as a clinician or presenter; I offer lessons in a group environment; I accept students through a college or university program

Contact Information

Studio

326 Stratford Drive
Lexington, KY
USA 40503

Vcard: import to my address book