Shannon Wise, soprano

Shannon Wise is a singer, voice teacher, and choral conductor whose lifelong love of music has led her to pursue a variety of professional outlets for connection, expression, and advocacy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance from Illinois Wesleyan University, a Master's Degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Illinois, and a Master of Science Degree in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University of Maryland. Shannon made her professional singing debut in 1999 with the Opera Theater of Northern Virginia and received their Artist of the Year award. She was a professional soprano section leader and soloist for the Master Chorale of Washington, singing under the direction of Donald McCullough and performing with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center.  In recent years, Shannon returned to the stage as Maria in The Sound of Music and Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast at the Congregational Summer Assembly in Pilgrim, Michigan, and performed the role of the Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors at Herndon United Methodist Church in January, 2023. In May 2023, Shannon performed as the soprano 2 soloist in Mozart’s Grand Mass in C minor with the Accord Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Juan Gallastegui.  

Shannon has been serving as a director of music ministries for the past eighteen years, conducting singers and instrumentalists of all ages in vocal, handbell, and orchestral ensembles. She enjoys facilitating music outreach opportunities for middle and high school students in her current position as Assistant Director of Music Ministries at Herndon United Methodist Church, working in partnership with choral, theater, band and orchestral directors at Herndon Middle School and Herndon High School. She has a passion for developing artistry and confidence in young musicians and encouraging them to use music performance as a vessel for promoting positive social change and healing, especially through the connection between music and mental health.  In 2022 Shannon established the annual Rise Up! outreach concert to support the Northern Virginia chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Shannon is the owner of the WiseWorks Voice Studio (https://www.facebook.com/wiseworksstudio),  where she teaches students ages 10 to adult in both individual and group settings.  She combines her music and counseling degrees in a holistic approach to vocal coaching that focuses on the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of singing, helping students to discover, grow, and share their authentic voice.  Shannon resides in Herndon, VA with her loving and supportive husband, Mike, her three amazing children—Emory, Joshua and Aaron, and her wonderfully spoiled dogs, Chloe and Daisy.  

To schedule a free consult, contact Shannon at wise1shannon@gmail.com