Services Offered

Susan Shiplett Ashbaker

| Master Classes | Comprehensive Services |

It is a privilege to be a musician and I am grateful to be a pianist.  As a collaborative pianist, it is an honor to work with singers and pianists, whether students, budding professionals, or firmly established artists. My goal is to help each singer and pianist achieve their musical voice.

Currently, I am the General Director for Tri-Cities Opera, Adjunct Professor at Westminster Choir College at Rider University in Princeton, and Artistic Advisor/Master Coach at Westminster’s CoOPERAtive Program.

When visiting opera companies, universities, and conservatories for Master Classes or individual instruction, I work with singers and/or pianists who have been pre-selected by the presenting organization. Sometimes the classes are designed only for the participants of the program. Other times, the classes are open to the public.


Master Classes

In addition to the standard Master Class (public coaching), some of my Master Class topics include:

  • Mock auditions
  • How to practice
  • Audition advice and preparation
  • Building your toolbox; skills for success
  • Getting the most out of your educational or young artist program
  • Where do you go from here?  (The bridge from student to star)
  • Lay a firm foundation:  What to do in your training years
Susan Ashbaker rehearsing with Stephen Powell

Susan Ashbaker rehearsing with baritone Stephen Powell at
the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia.

Whether focusing on the basics of interpretation or putting a final polish on phrasing or language, many singers have had their “Aha!” moment in the supportive, energetic setting I create.


Comprehensive Services

  • Master Class requests
  • Adjudicator for vocal and instrumental competitions and auditions
  • Undergraduate, graduate, and private course offerings
  • Individual consultations
  • Group coaching
  • Mock auditions and audition preparation
  • Lectures, presentations, interviews
  • Panelist for grant applications

Contact Susan

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