Thomas Young

Cleo & Grammy award-winning lyric tenor—and recognized as the foremost interpreter of tenor roles in contemporary opera—Young has performed in concert halls, opera houses, and jazz venues in more than 40 countries. Known for his  peerless versatility, he has been seen in operas by Anthony Davis, Tan Dun, John Adams, Schoenberg, Zimmermann, Stravinsky, Shostakovich, Handel, and Rossini—from San Francisco Opera and Chicago Lyric Opera to New York City Opera,  Netherlands Opera, Opera de Lyon, Maggio Musicale, Opera de la Monnale, Covet Garden, Hong Kong Festival, and Bergen International Festival, to name a few. Young has sung under the baton of  distinguished conductors, including Zubin Mehta, Roger Norrington, Simon Rattle, and Esa-Pekka Salonen and with directors Peter Sellars, Pierre Audi, and David Poutney. His music theatre credits include national tours and regional appearances in Jesus Christ Superstar (Judas), Pippin (Leading Player), Evita (Che), and more. He received critical and public acclaim in Stand Up Shakespeare, directed by Oscar and Tony award winner Mike Nichols, which was recently remounted with Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago with actor Jeff Perry. Young’s orchestral appearances from tenors Cook Dixon & Young to solo work—both classical and theatre—are known internationally. His jazz credits include concert work with legends such as Tito Puente, Clark Terry, Nancy Wilson, J. D. Perren, James Carter, Julius Hemphill, Mike Renzi, Michael Wolff, and Grady Tate. In addition to his work at SLC, Young is in demand internationally as a clinician and master class specialist. His discography is extensive. SLC, 1989–

Undergraduate Courses 2024-2025

Music

Jazz Vocal Seminar

Component—Fall

MUSC 5330

This course is an exploration of the relationship of melody, harmony, rhythm, text, and style and how those elements can be combined and manipulated to create meaning and beauty. A significant level of vocal development will be expected and required.

Faculty

Studio Class (Voice)

Component

MUSC 5335

This is a beginning course in basic vocal technique. Each student’s vocal needs are met within the structure and content of the class.

Faculty

Previous Courses

Music

Jazz Vocal Seminar

Component

This course is an exploration of the relationship of melody, harmony, rhythm, text, and style and how those elements can be combined and manipulated to create meaning and beauty. A significant level of vocal development will be expected and required.

Faculty

Seminar in Vocal Performance

Component

Voice students will gain performance experience by singing repertoire selected in cooperation with the studio instructors. Students will become acquainted with a broader vocal literature perspective through singing in several languages and exploring several historical music periods. Interpretation, diction, and stage deportment will be stressed.

Faculty

Studio Class

Component

The Studio Class is a beginning course in basic vocal technique. Each student's vocal needs are met within the structure and content of the class.

Faculty