Jan Nelson
Assistant Professor of Music, Head of Vocal Studies
Email: nelsonjm@spu.edu
Education: BS, Western Oregon University, 2002; MM, Central Washington University, 2007; DMA, University of Oregon, 2013.
Dr. Jan Nelson is a versatile performer and educator who has been recognized for her mellow voice and gorgeously sung performances. Her professional engagements range from opera and oratorio to early music, contemporary premiers, and musical theatre.
Dr. Nelson's notable opera roles include Third Lady in Mozart's "Die Zauberflöte," Nicklaus in Offenbach's "The Tales of Hoffman," Dorabella in Mozart's "Cosí fan tutte," Beggar Woman in Stephen Sondheim's "Sweeney Todd," and both Rosalinde and Prince Orlofsky in Strauss' "Die Fledermaus". She has performed principal opera roles with companies including Eugene Opera, Cascadia Concert Opera, and Puget Sound Concert Opera. Dr. Nelson has also appeared as a concert soloist throughout the Pacific Northwest with ensembles such as the Oregon Mozart Players, Emerald Chamber Orchestra, and Festival Chorale Oregon.
Dr. Nelson is also active in both the new and early music scenes. She often collaborates with composers to premiere new works, with featured appearances at the Music Today Festival, with the Eugene Contemporary Chamber Ensemble (ECCE), and a recital of vocal works by composer Bill Whitley. A regular soloist with the early music ensemble Vox Resonat, Dr. Nelson has also appeared with the Oregon Bach Collegium, Jefferson Baroque Orchestra, and Northwest Baroque.
An accomplished choral singer as well, Dr. Nelson performed with the Oregon Bach Festival as a member of the Berwick Chorus from 2009-2015. She is currently a member of the chamber octet Resonate, performing throughout Seattle and South King County.
As a music educator, in both traditional and contemporary voice pedagogy, Dr. Nelson holds a Level 3 certificate in the Lovetri Method Somatic Voicework, a body-based method of functional vocal training. She is also a graduate of the International Performing Art's Institute's Teaching Fellowship program and continues to study voice and pedagogy with Dr. Maryann Kyle.
Dr. Nelson is a member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and the National Association of Teachers and Singing, where she serves on the Executive Board of the Tahoma Chapter. She has presented research at numerous national conferences and is in demand as an adjudicator, guest lecturer, and master class teacher. In addition to her role as Head of Vocal Studies at SPU, Dr. Nelson serves as Managing Director of Vaulted Voice Studios and Chorale Director at Messiah Lutheran Church in Auburn.