March 3, 2021
By Mariane Gutierrez
Professor of Voice Darlene Wiley was recently named to the American Academy of Teachers of Singing, a select group of internationally recognized voice teachers and singing voice experts with the purpose of contributing to the singing profession in an advisory capacity. She began her career as a lyric coloratura at the Staatstheater Darmstadt, and she has now accumulated more than 1,500 opera performances. Wiley has performed at more than 25 opera houses and received awards such as that of Distinguished Professor at Myong Ji University. We recently caught up with Wiley about her recent induction.
Why is being named to the American Academy of Teachers of Singing a meaningful honor to you?
The invitation to become a member of the American Academy of Teachers of Singing came as a complete surprise to me. To join the ranks of such esteemed teachers/performers as Phyllis Curtin, Berton Coffin, Helen Hodam, Paul Althouse, Mack Harrell, Ralph Appleman and many more is an honor beyond words.
The groundbreaking work of the AATA members in performance and pedagogy have significantly contributed to our discipline, producing a perfect marriage of science and singing. I so look forward to meeting the members of the Academy and participating in their events.
As a professor of voice, what do you enjoy most about teaching?
I am addicted to teaching. Being a part of the growth and development of young singers cannot be quantified. Watching them realize their dreams of performing and following their passion is a true joy.
I see you are a veteran of more than 1,500 performances. When did you first develop a passion for the voice?
I was training to become a high school band director and had to take voice as a requirement. My love of singing took off in my junior year of college. I quickly changed course and went to the University of Illinois for graduate work in voice and opera, never looking back on creating halftime shows for high school football games.
Who or what inspires you as a singer?
The music! Who cannot be inspired by the vocal works of Mozart, Brahms, Puccini, Verdi, Strauss? Vocal music expresses the human condition, its every nuance, its every emotion.