Rachel Spodek is a first-year master’s student in voice performance from Muncie, IN.

“Because I grew up in Muncie, I actually began taking voice lessons with my current voice teacher, Dr. Mei Zhong, when I was a junior in high school. She really encouraged me to pursue music and voice in college and then encouraged me further to come back and study with her for my master’s degree

“Getting to sing the role of Pamina in the Magic Flute with the Ball State Opera Theatre this semester has been an absolute dream come true. The first opera I was ever in was actually the Magic Flute with BSOT when I was about six years old – I didn’t get to sing, but I was a little baby Papagena bird. So, it feels very full circle to get to do this show again, and it’s been so rewarding to work with the rest of the cast and continue to make music together despite all of the challenges this semester.

“There were two main things that made me choose Ball State: the incredible voice faculty and the performance opportunities. My voice teacher, Dr. Zhong, has high expectations for all her students and it definitely pays off in the quality of training we get. I feel like all of the faculty are really invested in my success and push me to perform at a really high level.”

Photo by Natalie Tate