Music : Gayla Blaisdell

At CWU since 2008
Degrees:
New York University
Ph.D. Vocal Performance
New England Conservatory
M.M. in Voice Performance
G.D. Opera
The Eastman School of Music
B.M. Voice
B.M. Music Education

Gayla Blaisdell

Assistant Professor of Voice and Opera

Gayla Bauer Blaisdell was pleased to join the music faculty at Central Washington University in the fall of 2008 as Assistant Professor of Voice and Opera. At CWU, she teaches private voice students, several classes and directs the Opera program. Gayla holds a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Vocal Performance from New York University where she was also a member of the NYU Adjunct Voice Faculty for seven years.

In addition to teaching, she has maintained a busy performing schedule. Gayla has appeared with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the Ravinia Festival and made her Carnegie Hall debut as soprano soloist in Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with the American Composers Orchestra. She has sung in many major New York City venues including Weill Recital Hall, Merkin Hall, Symphony Space, Westminster Choir College and Christ and St. Stephens. Gayla often joins the Azure Ensemble, a contemporary chamber ensemble, to perform works for soprano, flute, viola and harp. The American Accent Concert Series featured her in a recital of music by Judith Zaimont and Bernard Rands at the Kosciuszko Foundation in New York City.

Gayla has recorded a cycle of songs by Elizabeth Bell with the North/South Consonance Ensemble which is available online at . Locally, she has appeared in numerous recitals and concerts on the Central Washington University campus, and last spring she performed at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Yakima as part of the Music for the Spirit Series. In 2010, Gayla will be singing a set of orchestrated Schubert songs with the Yakima Symphony Orchestra.

Gayla holds a Graduate Diploma in Opera and a Masters Degree in Voice from New England Conservatory and a Bachelors Degree in Voice and a Bachelors Degree in Music Education from the Eastman School of Music.

During the summers, Gayla has attended the Steans Institute at Ravinia, Tanglewood, Opera North, the International Institute of Vocal Arts in Italy and Dorian Opera Theater. Gayla and her entire family have enjoyed exploring the West and look forward to more wonderful experiences in Ellensburg, the Kittitas and Yakima valleys and the Seattle area.

Last updated Aug. 14, 2009