Olivia Yokers
Associate Professor of Music
As an educator, I believe in fostering an environment that prioritizes the unique needs and individuality of each student. Recognizing that every student brings their own distinct set of experiences, learning preferences, and vocabulary, I harness their strengths as the cornerstone of their musical development and guide them to sing with freedom and individual artistry.
- Bachelor of Music and Master of Music from Indiana University
Biography
Praised for singing with gorgeous vulnerability (The Richmond Times), soprano Olivia Yokers is well regarded for her thrilling voice and versatility onstage. Her notable roles include Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance, Musetta in La Bohme, Zerlina in Don Giovanni, and Miss Honey in Matilda. Ms. Yokers has performed with companies such as Virginia Opera, Opera Las Vegas, Opera Baltimore, Cistetsonncinnati Opera, Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre, and Oklahoma Lyric Theatre.
An advocate of new music, Ms. Yokers debuted Before the Night Sky at Opera Americas New Opera Showcase and Adriana in Behold the Man by Fowler and Flack with Opera Las Vegas. She recently collaborated with composer Jennifer Bellor to premiere her song cycle, A Smile and a Sigh, featured on Long These Days released in fall 2024 and available on all major streaming platforms.
As a stage director, Ms. Yokers has worked with the UNLV Opera Theatre, Music On Site, Inc. (MOSI), and Stetson Opera Theatre. Her directorial credits include Pasatieris La Divina, Rossinis Le Comte Ory, Strausss Die Fledermaus, Menottis Amahl and the Night Visitors, Handels Acis and Galatea, and Mozarts Le Nozze di Figaro.
Ms. Yokers is a member of the Association of Body Mapping Education and acts as a member of their webinar committee, and additionally is a developing artist with the Great Lakes Michael Chekhov Consortium. She is active in NATS and was a 2022 NATS Intern. She is a member of the National Opera Association and presented on the topic, New Arias/New Topics for Women/By Women during their 2024 conference. Ms. Yokers has taught at the University of Central Oklahoma, Oklahoma City University, the University of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Interlochen Summer Camp. Her students have performed at New York City's 54 Below, Off-Broadway, on cruise lines, and have been featured in shows on Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, and more. Ms.Yokers earned her Master of Music and Bachelor of Music from Indiana University. For more information visit my website
More About Olivia Yokers
Areas of Expertise
- Teaching Western classical and CCM styles
- Vocal Pedagogy
- Acting for Singers
Course Sampling
- Applied Voice
- Stetson Opera Theatre
- Performance Techniques
- Body Mapping
- Michael Chekhov Acting Technique
- (CD and Digital Audio Release) Jennifer Bellor's Long These Days (August 16, 2024, by EMITHAs Lexicon Classics)