Students and Alumni

Wes Johnson

Wes has been a professional Vocalist, Host/MC, Production Manager, Writer and Business Owner in the entertainment business for 20 years. During that time, he has had the good fortune of working with several wonderful artists, producers, directors and organizations.

As a performer, Wes has worked around the world with artists such as Pam Tillis, Lori Morgan, Lee Greenwood, Steve Winwood, Wynona Judd, Louise Mandrell, Vince Gill and Kenny Chesney. For two years, Johnson toured around the country with country music legend Barbara Mandrell as one of two background vocalists and dancers, The Do-Rites. He has been a featured vocalist and host for various main stage shows, television specials, pageants, conventions and corporate events as well. One such production was "One Enchanted Evening", a national tour which paid tribute to the music and life of Richard Rogers. Wes played "Frankie" in the off Broadway hit "Forever Plaid". Other live performance credits include "Ballys" in Las Vegas, the Merv Griffin Production "Hitmakers" and "Cliff Notes", a one man show written and performed by Wes himself.

Wes has been spotted on CBS, ABC, NBC, CMT and TNN. He was a two-time contestant and finalist on the hit television show "Star Search". Other television credits include "A Tribute to Minnie Pearl", "Prime Time Country", "The Macy's Day Thanksgiving Parade", the "Music City Bowl", "The Last Dance" and the host of "The Miss Pennsylvania Pageant".

Behind the scenes, Wes has served as a production staff member for various artists and organizations which include Kenny Rogers, Wayne Newton, The Oakridge Boys, The Alabama Theater, The Chicago Club Cabaret Theater and most recently the Production/Project Manager for Celebrity Cruise Lines. As an educator, Wes has worked with all ages and levels as a voice teacher and vocal coach. He was the artistic director for the Cannon County Arts Center in Tennessee. As the artistic director, Wes not only produced and directed, but acted as the voice teacher and script writer for the performers. Johnson has served as a vocal coach for Cristaldi Music and Zona Productions.

As a vocal coach, he worked hands on in the studio with various professional artists in the Nashville area. For four years, Wes and his wife Marin owned and operated the successful performing arts school "A Step Ahead School of Performing Arts" in the Nashville, TN area. Wes Johnson has a Music Business Degree (BS) with an emphasis on voice from Millikin University, Decatur, IL.

He has studied voice, music theory, dance and ear training with Justin Stoney, Gene and Sharon Raymond, Marin Johnson, Mark Williams, Matt Davenport Productions, Gary Musick Productions and Phil Stegner of "Maestro Productions".