Ashten Smith

Ashten Purviance-Smith, Mezzo-Soprano, holds a Master of Music, in Vocal Pedagogy (science and teaching of the voice), as well as a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Belmont University in Nashville, TN. She attained her Bachelor of Music in Vocal
Performance from Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska.

As a professional opera singer and solo recitalist, Ashten, made her professional opera début performing the leading role, Grand Duchess, with Wichita Grand Opera’s production of Offenbach’s The Grand Duchess in July 2015. She was awarded Wichita Grand Opera’s Young-Artist of the year and was able to perform alongside some of the most famous opera singers, Samual Ramey and Alan Held, of our time. She has also performed with Eugene Opera in Eugene, Oregon, and has performed solo recitals in
many different locations across the United States.

Ashten’s true passion is teaching; she has been actively teaching private lessons in Voice, Piano, and Guitar for over 14 years. Many of her students who take up the Guitar or Piano end up learning to sing as well or vice versa. She has touched the minds and hearts of hundreds of private students all over the United States in cities such as, Nashville, Tennessee, Denver, Colorado, Geneva, Nebraska, and Eugene, Oregon.

Philosophy of Music Teaching:
As a teacher and director of music, my goal is to assist students in discovering and developing their talents, while providing a foundation of knowledge to positively encourage them to pursue their passions in life. Fueling inspiration while inviting students into an atmosphere of learning that will empower them, as well as encourage them to love music. I believe that motivated students nurtured by competent, dynamic, holistically oriented teachers fuel innovation and personal development.

I believe that improvement is an ongoing process, which has no end. Understanding the importance of building skills to sustain intellectual learning is key to successful learning. Fostering an environment of proficiency that will support a democratic society is crucial for incentivizing young people to become leaders in their community. It is my duty to integrate music history into daily curriculum in order to provide a historical understanding of artistic expression. It is my hope to provide excellence by constantly working with students, parents, and other teachers in attaining educational growth. I commit to the notion of providing the most prestigious foundation of knowledge to the youth and adults of America through encompassing a music curriculum that focuses on a holistic approach.

Philosophy of teaching voice:
On the voice and choral directing, I aim to not just teach the ‘notes on the page’ or to just wave my arms in the air in hopes of creating sound, but instead guide students in understanding the voice as a human instrument and provide students with an array of repertoire that is appropriate and artistically interesting.

Understanding the psychophysical (mind-body), as well as the vocal process is key in building confidence and an understanding of the ‘self’ that will eventually lead to beautiful sound. Therefore, teaching in the classical music tradition of Western civilization is relevant and central to the understanding of the singing gesture in both solo and group settings. Advocating proper technique, vocal health, overall musicianship, and performance practices are central aspects of teaching the voice that should never be overlooked.

Ashten lives in Philomath, Oregon with her loving husband, Casey Smith, along with her beloved dog, Baloo and adored cat, Fuzz Buzz. She enjoys the outdoors and especially loves going on long hikes and playing frisbee with her doggie Baloo. She also is very passionate about traveling and exploring new places!