Research Summary

My research centers on the performance and discovery of vocal music. This takes many forms: opera, concert, art song recital, and an unprecedented project in the Digital Humanities called SongHelix. Methodologically I discover existing, lesser known works as well as champion the performance and creation of new works through analog and digital means. Through my research, I seek to grow enthusiasm for this often unsung medium, thereby enriching the lives of singers and audiences.

Education

  • BM, Music, Illinois Wesleyan University
  • MM, Music, Indiana University
  • DMA, Music, University of Minnesota. Project: Effective and Meaningful Assessment in Applied Collegiate Voice

Biography

Bass-baritone, Seth Keeton’s performances have been described by The New York Times as “driven” and “emotionally pointed.” He has performed roles on the stages of The Minnesota Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, Ft. Worth Opera, Central City Opera, Arizona Opera, Indianapolis Opera, Austin Lyric Opera and Opera Omaha, Chautauqua Opera, Mill City Summer Opera, Utah Opera, and Theater Bremen in Bremen, Germany.

 

As an oratorio singer, Keeton has appeared in concert as the bass soloist in Mozart's Requiem, Verdi's Requiem, Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem, Bach’s Magnificat and St. Matthew and St. John Passions, Haydn’s Creation, and Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. In 2006, he was a national finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and has received awards from the Sullivan Foundation and the Eleanor McCollum Competition.

 

In art song and in recital, Keeton’s creative expression takes many forms, and he delights in creating unusual song recitals for himself and his students. He has presented musical experiences in interesting settings such as an outdoor recital celebrating and hosting animals, and an evening of British song in the University of Utah Museum of Fine Arts during a visiting exhibition of British landscape paintings. As a performer he presents tightly knit recitals, singing pieces in unique combination and often including rarely performed works. As a scholar Keeton has created an online song index that will make it easy to find related song repertoire called SongHelix. This index will become an essential reference, helping singers and pianists find forgotten song repertoire as well as discover new vocal works.

 

Mr. Keeton received his Doctorate of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance from the University of Minnesota and is an Assistant Professor of Voice at the University of Utah School of Music. He lives in Salt Lake City with his wife, Angie and son, Miles.