Meet the Presenters of the 12th Estill World Voice Symposium
Get to know the global experts, educators, performers, and researchers who are shaping the future of voice.
As we count down the days to the 12th Estill World Voice Symposium, excitement is building around the extraordinary lineup of presenters who will be sharing their expertise, innovation, and passion for voice. This year’s symposium gathers a diverse group of researchers, educators, performers, and medical professionals from across the globe—each contributing unique perspectives to the ever-evolving world of voice science and training.
From groundbreaking medical collaborations and vocal pedagogy to artistic excellence and cross-disciplinary research, these presenters exemplify the depth and breadth of the Estill community. Whether you’re a seasoned voice professional or just beginning your journey, their sessions promise to inspire, inform, and spark meaningful conversations.
Let’s take a closer look at the voices behind this year’s dynamic program.
- Alessandra Culurgioni, MD, Otolaryngologist, with Erennio Natale, MD, and Franco Fussi, MD, Audiology and Phoniatrics
- Andrew Schmidt (EFP), Professor at Kennesaw State University
- Brian Winnie (EMCI-TP), Director of Choral Studies at Western Illinois University
- Christine Letcher (EMT), Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Maine at Augusta
- Corinne Mager (EMCI-TP), Director of Certification & Courses at Estill Voice International
- Elliot Styche (EMT), Premier Sydney Vocal Coach
- Fiona Stritt (EFP), Institute of Musicians’ Medicine, Faculty of Medicine at the University of Freiburg, with Stefanie Rummel (EMCI), Voice Researcher, Scientist, Teacher, Johannes Fischer, Faculty of Medicine at the University of Freiburg, Michael Bock, Faculty of Medicine at the University of Freiburg, Matthias Echternach, Professor of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at LMU University Hospital, Bernhard Richter, Institute of Musicians’ Medicine, Faculty of Medicine at the University of Freiburg, Louisa Traser, Institute of Musicians’ Medicine, Faculty of Medicine at the University of Freiburg
- Florian Unruh (EMT), Vocal Coach and Musical Director
- Francesco Mecorio (EMCI-TP), Adjunct Professor at Niccolò Cusano University, Member of the International Board of KAVPA, International Vocal Coach
- Jaana Turunen (EMT), Vocal Coach, Choir Conductor and Artistic Director of VIMMA-kuoro, Vox Polaris, and Malechoir Kuopio-Kvartetti
- Jaminda Blackmon (EFP), Music Teacher at New Haven Public Schools, Director of Jaye Faye Productions
- Karen Perta (EMT), Assistant Professor, Communication Sciences and Disorders at Elmhurst University, with Elizabeth Grillo (EMT), Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator
- Kimberly Steinhauer (EMCI-ATP-SD), President of Estill Voice International
- Lara Brooks (EMT), Clinical Assistant Professor of Voice at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with Robert Brooks, Associated Faculty Jazz Studies at the Ohio State University
- Lily Lai (EFP), Cantonese Pop Singer-songwriter
- Lorian Stein-Schwaber (EMT), Professor Emeritus of Voice and Musical Theater at Carthage College
- Masi Asare, Tony-nominated Songwriter, Composer and Dramatist, Associate Professor of Theatre and Performance Studies at Northwestern University
- Matthew Berthot (EFP), Emcee, Speaker, Voice Coach, and Podcast Host
- Miao Zhang, Department of Music at Carthage College
- Nathan Gunn (Keynote Speaker), Grammy Award-winning Baritone and Faculty at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Lyric Theatre)
- Nicholas Miguel (EMT), Baritone Soloist and Chorister, Assistant Professor of Voice at Western Illinois University School of Music
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Rachel Pollard (EMT), Music Educator, Vocal Coach, Conductor at Fox Chapel Area School District, with Julie Ford (EMT), Doctorate in Mus Arts: Choral Conducting, Director of Vocal-Choral Arts, Professor-Tenured at Saint Mary’s College of California
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Robert Jordan (EFP), Assistant Professor of Music and Coordinator of Music Education at Adelphi University
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Sarah Wigley (EMT), Clinical Associate Professor of Voice for the Lyric Theatre at University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, with Lara Brooks (EMT), Clinical Assistant Professor of Voice at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and with Allison Moody, Department of Theatre at University of Illinois
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Sasha Divain (EMT), Vocal Coach and Voice Rehabilitation Specialist, with Olga Golubstsova (EMT), Vocal Rehabilitation Specialist, Choir Master and Composer, Singer and Vocal Coach
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Simon Ward (EMT), Professionally Trained Actor and Singer, Lecturer at National Institute of Dramatic Art, Registered Psychologist
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Stefanie Rummel (EMCI), Voice Researcher, Scientist, Teacher, with Fiona Stritt (EFP), Institute of Musicians’ Medicine, Faculty of Medicine at the University of Freiburg, Johannes Fischer, Faculty of Medicine at the University of Freiburg, Michael Bock, Faculty of Medicine at the University of Freiburg, Bernhard Richter, Institute of Musicians’ Medicine, Faculty of Medicine at the University of Freiburg, Louisa Traser, Institute of Musicians’ Medicine, Faculty of Medicine at the University of Freiburg
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Tara D. Deady (EMCI), Actor, Educator, Vocal Director, Associate Professor at the University of Central Florida
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Valerie Accetta (EMCI), Head of Musical Theatre at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
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Victoria Lavan Liberty (EMT), Award-winning Teacher, Singer, Actor, Director of Vocal Health and Principal Voice Faculty at AMDA College and Conservatory for the Performing Arts in LA
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Zhaoyan Zhang, Professor in Residence (Head and Neck Surgery) at UCLA
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Zoe Stibi (EMT), Viral Vocal Coach and Influencer
Whether you’re a singer, speaker, teacher, researcher, or voice enthusiast, the 12th Estill World Voice Symposium is your chance to connect with a vibrant global community and learn from some of the brightest minds in the field. With such a rich and diverse lineup of presenters, this event promises not only cutting-edge insights but also moments of inspiration, collaboration, and shared discovery.
Join us as we celebrate the power of voice, deepen our understanding, and explore the future of vocal training together. We can’t wait to welcome you—your voice belongs here.
