Congrats to Tim Culver!
Diane Petrella, dean of the College of the Arts, announced that professor and Vocal Area coordinator Timothy Culver would serve as the Interim Director of the Hugh A. Glauser School of Music effective July 1, 2022.
Timothy Culver is a staple in the Great Lakes music scene. He has been described as having “a rich but penetrating tenor,” and that he “faces florid tenor writing with a fearless vivacity.”
Equally at home in operatic and musical theatre works, Mr. Culver has performed with the Cleveland Opera, Lyric Opera Cleveland, Lansing Lyric Opera, Porthouse Theatre, Huron Playhouse, and the Cleveland Orchestra. Some recent roles include Count Almaviva in “Il barbiere di Siviglia,” Nemorino in “L’elisir d’amore,” Alfredo in “La Traviata,” and Albert Herring in the title role. During the inaugural season of the Opera Theatre of Lucca in Lucca, Italy, Mr. Culver performed and studied under the direction of internationally renowned baritone Lorenzo Malfatti. A frequent recitalist, oratorio, and concert soloist, Mr. Culver sang in the U.S. premiere of Erwin Schulhoff’s H.M.S. Royal Oak with the Cleveland Chamber Symphony.
Professor Culver has been a member of the voice faculty at Kent State University since 2002. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Hugh A. Glauser School of Music.
Read on for a short interview with Dr. Culver.
Tell us about yourself and your background at Kent State University.
I came to KSU in the fall of 1992 as a potential musical theater major and quickly discovered I lacked the necessary dance skills for that degree. After several semesters of voice lessons (which I hadn’t had in high school), I found that pursuing the vocal performance track seemed a better fit. I remained at Kent for my master’s degree to continue working with my then-teacher, Professor Mary Sue Hyatt. After graduation, I started singing professionally and teaching part-time. The teaching came naturally, and after a national search, I was offered a full-time position here. After 20 years of teaching, I am now serving my school as its Interim Director.
What drew you to music?
While I always loved music, I didn’t know anything about classical music until I came to college. The complexity and focus needed to improve immediately fascinated me. Because I had no background in this type of music, I felt really behind, but I worked hard and became a solid singer/performer.
What are you looking forward to most in your new role as Interim Director?
What I enjoy most about this role is the ability to help all of the students in the school, not just those in the voice area. Additionally, it is an honor to support and serve my amazing colleagues at the Glauser School of Music.
Why should students choose to study music at Kent State University?
In addition to their incredible talents as musicians, scholars, and teachers, the faculty of the School of Music are incredibly devoted to our students. We work tirelessly to help them learn, grow, and find work once they graduate.
What was a favorite memory of your time at Kent State University?
I cherish the last 30 years at this university. My favorite memories are seeing the looks on students’ faces when they’ve had a breakthrough in their singing. Many former students still come back to have lessons when they are home visiting family.
What podcast are you currently listening to, or what book are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading Stephen King’s newest book, Fairy Tale, and a non-fiction book recommended by a colleague titled The College Administrator’s Survival Guide.
What’s your favorite part about higher education?
Higher education helps people learn how to be inquisitive, thoughtful, and empathetic contributors to society. While many may not be in the field they studied in college; I guarantee how they work is directly related to how they were taught to analyze in their higher ed courses.
Enroll today in the Online Master of Music in Music Education Program at Kent State University
The Online Master of Music degree in Music Education program is designed to offer music teachers the opportunity to develop and refine their professional skills. The degree program allows for enhancement and specialization relative to music teaching and learning in contemporary school contexts.
Kent State University is synonymous with music education. Some of the leading voices in the field have earned a degree here. Our 100% online program can be completed in as few as 23 months. Our curriculum is created for the music teaching professional. Classes are 7 weeks, and you can enroll in two classes per semester, including summer. This format allows you to focus on one area of study and then begin another music education course after a brief recess. We are dedicated to helping you design a program that provides exciting new perspectives in your teaching right from the beginning.
For more information on Kent State’s Online Master of Music in Music Education, visit https://onlinedegrees.kent.edu/degrees/master-of-music-in-music-education
