Dr. Kirk Severtson

Biography

Kirk Severtson is a Professor of Music at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, specializing as an opera conductor and vocal coach. He has an extensive background in music education and performance, having spent eighteen years at SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music, where he was the musical director for the Crane Opera Ensemble. Severtson has collaborated with numerous esteemed institutions, including the Dallas Opera and Lyric Opera Kansas City. He is a strong advocate for new works, having conducted and coached productions of 21st-century operas, holding leadership roles in various professional organizations, including as Executive Director of the National Opera Association. Severtson is dedicated to fostering diversity through commissions of operas that address contemporary social issues, and he has led developmental workshops for new works. He notably served as the music staff for several world premieres with the Dallas Opera. Severtson earned his D.M.A. and M.M. from the University of Cincinnati and a B.A. from Luther College, receiving accolades such as the Weston H. Noble Award in 2022.

Research Interests