Alyssa Otey-Russell's Profile

Background:

I’ve been a music educator in public schools for over 20 years and a performer since the age of two. I began singing in my mother’s church as a toddler and gave my first stage performance at West Virginia’s Vandalia Gathering at age five. I started formal voice training at 15, studying with Deborah Lucas and later with Dr. Larry Stickler at Marshall University. Throughout my career, I’ve taught both in schools and private studios, with students ranging from beginners to one who reached the Top 12 on American Idol. I’ve also performed in over 25 musical theatre productions across college and community stages in West Virginia and Ohio. My teaching emphasizes classical vocal technique—breath support and vocal placement—that applies to all genres. I also started piano early, playing "Twinkle Twinkle" by ear at age two. At four, I began formal lessons with Mrs. Sarah Jane Mangus, who encouraged playing by ear while focusing on reading music, theory, and proper technique. I follow her example today, supporting my students’ creativity while building strong technical and theoretical foundations.