Research interests: Gender Affirming Voice/Gender Affirming Surgery, Motor Learning, Mental Practice, Gender Studies in Vocal Music, Vocal Anatomy & Physiology, Voice Science, Vocal Pedagogy, Music Education, Singing Voice Rehabilitation, Neuroscience of Singing, Technology in Voice Pedagogy, Historical Vocal Pedagogy, Culturally Responsive Voice Pedagogy, Cultural Influences on Vocal Styles, Inclusive Vocal Pedagogy.
Accepting mentees: Yes (7)
Biography
Dr. Nicholas Klein, tenor, is an award-winning teacher, singer, conductor, and pianist/accompanist/coach, renowned for his warmth, tonal clarity, exceptional musicianship, and evidence-based approach to voice teaching. A recipient of the 2024 Emerging Leader Award from the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Dr. Klein currently serves as Interim Director of Music at Church of the Resurrection in Solon, OH. His extensive academic and professional experience includes roles as Assistant Professor of Music and Head of Voice at Cleveland State University, Lecturer in Vocal Music at Eastern Washington University, and Instructor of Voice and Director of the Vocal Jazz Ensemble at Seattle Pacific University.
Dr. Klein has held leadership positions as Director of Music at prominent churches such as Central Lutheran Church in Seattle and St. Joseph Cathedral in Columbus, OH, where he also served as Interim Director of Music for the Catholic Diocese of Columbus and a tenured soloist with the St. Joseph Cathedral Schola. Internationally recognized as a soloist and ensemble performer, his credits include engagements in Hungary, Switzerland, and Italy. Recent performances include roles such as Dr. Caius (Falstaff) with Puget Sound Concert Opera, soloist for BWV 97 with the Seattle Bach Choir, Larry/Matt (The Face on the Barroom Floor), Don José (Carmen excerpts), and Flavio (Norma). Dr. Klein is also a member of Choral Audacity, a professional choir based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Previously, Dr. Nicholas Klein served as Director of Choral Activities at Grove City High School, where his choirs achieved significant recognition, earning numerous awards, including vocal and divisional championships, grand champion titles, and superior ratings at state and regional levels. Prior to that, he was Director of Choirs at Jackson Middle School, where his Symphonic Choir was honored with an invitation to perform a solo concert at the OMEA State Conference for Professional Development.
Dr. Klein holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Washington, where his research focused on The Efficacy of Mental Practice for Motor Skill Enhancement in Singing. His secondary research areas include Vocal Pedagogy for Transgender Singers and Homoerotic Subtexts in the Music of Benjamin Britten. He also earned a Master of Music degree in Music Education from the Capital University Conservatory of Music in partnership with the Zoltán Kodály Pedagogical Institute of Music in Kecskemét, Hungary. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Capital University and a Kodály Certificate from the Zoltán Kodály Pedagogical Institute of Music.
During his time at Capital University, Dr. Klein excelled as a featured soloist and section leader in the Chapel Choir and Philomel under conductor Lynda Hasseler. He received numerous accolades, including annual selection for the scholarship competition throughout his undergraduate studies and being honored twice with the Outstanding Vocal Music Education Major Award. Dr. Klein also showcased his performance versatility, earning lead roles in two musicals and an opera. His competitive successes include multiple titles at the Regional National Association of Teachers of Singing competitions, where he won the Freshman Men’s Classical Division, Freshman/Sophomore Men’s and Women’s Musical Theater Division, Senior Men’s Classical Division, and Junior/Senior Men’s and Women’s Musical Theater Division.
Qualifications
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Vocal Performance from University of Washington
Master of Music degree in Music Education from the Capital University Conservatory of Music in partnership with the Zoltán Kodály Pedagogical Institute of Music in Kecskemét, Hungary
Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Capital University
Publications
“The Efficacy of Mental Practice for Motor Skill Enhancement in Singing” – ProQuest
“Defining Mental Practice” (in progress – abstract accepted) – Frontiers
Presentations
“The Efficacy of Mental Practice for Motor Skill Enhancement in Singing” – Operation Opera, Gonzaga University
“The Efficacy of Mental Practice for Motor Skill Enhancement in Singing” – University of Washington
“Teaching Transgender Singers” – University of Washington
“Homoeroticism in the Operas of Benjamin Britten” – University of Washington
“Repertoire Considerations for Transgender Singers” – Butler University
“What the Fach? The Language of Musicians” – Northwest Voice: The Art and Science of the Performing Voice Conference
“Videos on Videos: Teaching Voice in the TikTok Era: a Panel Discussion” – Moderator - Northwest Voice: The Art and Science of the Performing Voice Conference
"Peak Performance: What Exercise Physiology Can Teach Singers" – Cleveland State University