Dr. Lori Celeste Hicks has built a multi-faceted career as a classical singer, composer and arranger, vocal coach, professor, clinician, lecturer, director, arts administrator, and entrepreneur. As the owner of LCH Studios, Dr. Hicks is dedicated to the education, performance, and production of healthy voices for ALL styles. Currently the Director of Opera at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the director of Music at Triangle Grace Presbyterian Church, Dr. Hicks has taught at the University of Dayton, Central State University, Claflin University, and Kentucky State University (her Alma Mater), where she also served as Chair of Performing Arts. Her training, research, and passion for Black Arts and the Voice have spawned numerous innovative projects such as “From The Black Church To The Opera Stage” an interactive lecture, “Music of My Voice” - a recital series portraying the Black Experience through Classical Song: “#Warmuppraise” – Gospel Vocal Warmups and Exercises; “Highest Praise Voice Care” a 3-day Bootcamp for Gospel Singers; and “The Black Women Composers Summit” a Virtual Conference celebrating the works of Black Women Composers. A native of Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Hicks holds a BME from Kentucky State University, a MM from Bowling Green State University, and a DMA from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
