Background, professional training and performance history
Kermit’s journey into making music started early with training in high school. His passion for singing continued with serious study of Bel Canto, vocal technique and choral conducting all over the world with noted musicians such as Donald Neuen and Helmuth Rilling. As an oratorio soloist and soloist with chamber choirs himself, Kermit has sung with several well-known choirs including St. Olaf Choir, NYC Collegiate Chorale, Paul Hill Chorale of Washington and the Washington Singers. His love of the vocal and choral field led him to form and conduct the Gettysburg Vocal Ensemble and Juibilate chamber choir.
Kermit holds a Master of Music degree in vocal performance from the Catholic University of America and is an experienced master teacher of vocal technique. A member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Music Educators National Conference and Eastern Music Educators Association, he has taught numerous choral master classes and vocal workshops and prepared countless singers of all ages for recitals, musicals, operas, solo auditions and singing just for fun. Many of Kermit’s students have gone on to become successful music educators, singers and choir directors.
Artist statement and teaching philosophy
“For me, the art of singing is the release of the soul, heart and mind. It is an avenue for the expression of one’s emotion through the use and understanding of music, the discipline of vocal technique and the meaning of the word. I strive to help my students find the joy of making music by helping them discover their own voice so they gain confidence and develop their vocal talent."
Instruments & classes taught
Kermit teaches voice.