"One of my favorite courses this semester is Czech 102!" Rachel Sweeney said. "I love learning about new language, and I love singing Czech classical music. The music is so beautiful and the language really enhances one’s singing."
Sweeney is a doctoral student studying vocal performance in the Glenn Korff School of Music, part of the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, and researching Czech art song.
"My hope is to see how the Czech language can help enhance one’s singing technique," she said.
She plans on studying in Austria this summer through the American Institute of Musical Studies (AIMS) program, working on operas in multiple languages and taking language courses in German. She also wants to visit the Czech Republic and interview classical vocalists.
As part of the university's opera program, she recently played the role of the Countess in Mozart’s opera, “The Marriage of Figaro,” and the Mother in Menotti’s opera, “Amahl and the Night Visitors.”
"This program is a true blessing," she said, "and I have had an amazing time working with the professors and my peers."
Previously, she taught vocal music in K-12 classrooms, which she said helped her tremendously as a student and a vocalist.
After graduation, she plans to audition for opera houses.
"My dream would be to sing in operas around the world and to one day teach future musicians," she said. "I can still remember my high school choir director encouraging me to sing throughout my life."
