Biography
Soprano, Sarah Sensenig joined the voice faculty of the Westminster Conservatory in 2008. She holds an M.M. from Eastman School of Music in Vocal Performance and Literature and a B.M. in Vocal Performance from Westminster Choir College. She debuted in 2011 with the New York Lyric Opera Theatre in the title role of Handel's Alcina. Other operatic performances include Fiordiligi in Mozart's Cosà fan tutte, Valencienne in The Merry Widow, Cherubino in Le Nozze di Figaro, Nancy in Albert Herring, Hansel in Hansel and Gretel, and Dido in Dido and Aeneas. Personal accolades include finalist in various professional vocal competitions and in graduate school, winner of the Renee Fleming Award and concerto competition. Past teachers include Irene Gubrud, Margaret Cusack, J.J. Penna, Carol Webber, and Benton Hess.
Ms. Sensenig’s teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the compassionate nurturing of young voices. For all age groups, she tailors lessons in technique and musicianship to each singer’s vocal strengths and ability level. As a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, she prepares students who desire advancement to participate in vocal competitions. She works diligently to identify and achieve every student’s individual goals—whether they be successful performances, auditions, or confidence building through joy in singing.
In other areas, she performs concerts locally with her husband and concert pianist, Donald Dolan. Also, a freelance music writer under the pen name Sarah Fritz, she specializes in research and articles on composer and pianist Clara Schumann.