Barbara McAlister

My art medium is voice instruction in opera, musical theater and traditional music.

I spent more than 50 years dedicated to the study of vocal music, performing in opera companies around the world, before returning to Oklahoma to teach and mentor young singers from the Cherokee Nation. I teach private lessons to approximately 25 students each year. My students learn opera, musical theater, and traditional Cherokee songs, and perform recitals for the public in the spring and fall. Many of my students have earned college scholarships, positions in the Tulsa Youth Opera and the Cherokee National Youth Choir, and other opportunities.  The Cherokee Nation pays me a modest salary so that I can provide vocal training to my students without the cost of tuition. I am applying for this grant so that I can further assist my students in their endeavors, by obtaining books and sheet music, traveling to provide weekly lessons in a convenient location, upgrading necessary equipment, and more.

Individualized vocal training opens the door for young indigenous students to a world of opportunity in the arts. I am providing a service that is otherwise not available in this region, particularly for Native American students of limited means.