Mandi Barrus, M.M.
Background: I taught private voice for 8 semesters as an adjunct faculty member of the BYU-Idaho Music Department, 4 semesters at the University of Utah School of Music, as well as for the last 11 years in my private studio. I offer lessons for all ages (12-112) and talent levels, beginning through advanced, in West Jordan/Kearns area.
Qualifications: I hold a Bachelor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance from BYU-Idaho; my studies included Theatre Arts and Arts Teaching. I also hold a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Utah; while a graduate student there, I was on full scholarship as a performer and also taught private voice lessons to University students. My studies included music theory and history, vocal pedagogy, and LOTS of voice performance. I won two competitions while in graduate school and recently returned from studying Italian and performing opera in Italy.
I currently teach at American Preparatory Academy as the Music Specialist and Choir Director.
I've performed in 12 productions at BYU-Idaho and 8 shows at three summer stock theatres; I have also directed my own productions at multiple theatres in Idaho and Utah. My performance experience ranges from straight plays to musicals (belt and lyric/pop legit), opera scenes and fully staged opera. I have performed multiple roles with Utah Opera, Utah Lyric Opera, Hale Centre Theatre, Centerpointe Legacy Theatre, Idaho Falls Opera Theater, and Utah Repertory Theatre. If you'd like to know more about my performances, please click here to visit my performer website and follow my professional Instagram handle @mandibarrusmezzo.
During my time as a student at BYU-I, I was hired by the university to tutor the Ear Training and Diction for Singers classes.
I attended Bonneville High School in Idaho Falls, where I served as president of the top audition choir and won first place in the State Solo competition and second place in the State Drama competition.
Other Info: I have two sons, one daughter, and one pet fish.
