Visiting Professor of Vocal Studies, The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao

Head of Vocal Studies, School of Music, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

Former Professor of Voice, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of the Conservatory, and Artistic Director of the Opera Theater, Cleveland Institute of Music, USA

Dr Dean Southern is a baritone, pianist, vocal pedagogue and opera stage director. He currently serves as Head of Vocal Studies at the School of Music, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. Previously, he held senior academic and artistic positions at the Cleveland Institute of Music, including Professor of Voice, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of the Institute and Artistic Director of CIM Opera Theater.

He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice Performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music, a Master of Music in Voice Performance from the University of Akron, and a Master of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Missouri.

With more than two decades of experience in conservatoire and pre-college education, Dr Southern specialises in vocal technique, stylistic interpretation, voice science, vocal health and the development of young singers. He has presented masterclasses at institutions including the Central Conservatory of Music, China Conservatory of Music, Wuhan Conservatory of Music, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. His academic expertise also encompasses curriculum development and quality assurance.