Dennis James Parnell, B.F.A., M.F.A., is a master vocal coach, performer, and educator with more than five decades of experience. A graduate of the California Institute of the Arts, where he earned both his BFA and MFA in Vocal Performance with additional studies in composition and conducting, Dennis trained under distinguished teachers such as Louis Graveure, Seth Riggs, Morton Subotnik, and Mel Powell. His career reflects a deep blend of artistry and scholarship, from world premieres written for his voice to his research and publications on vocal pedagogy and harmonic singing traditions.

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As a professor of voice, Dennis has shaped generations of singers at institutions including Santa Monica College, Los Angeles Pierce College, California State University Fullerton, and CalArts. His teaching spans classical, popular, and contemporary techniques, with an emphasis on healthy vocal production, expressive artistry, and stylistic versatility. Beyond academia, he has directed choirs, conducted operatic works, served as cantor and music director for major religious institutions, and collaborated on award-winning radio programs, movie scores, and recordings.