ISU Alumna Soprano Making it Big in a Big City

Idaho State University’s alumna Teaira Burge is thriving in her new city of Chicago. With both a bachelor’s degree in voice performance from ISU and her Master of Music degree from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University under her belt, there’s no telling what her future holds.  
“I am so in love with Chicago and the opera community here,” Burge said, “I have some exciting gigs coming up and some even more exciting auditions.”
Currently Burge is a soloist for Opera on Tap Chicago as well as New Moon Opera. She also is the co-founder and general manager of The Song Set Chicago. The recital series, Song Set Chicago, is an event that takes place twice a month in a local coffee shop where featured singers can perform a 30-minute recital.
During her time at ISU, Burge appeared as Papagena in “The Mini Magic Flute,” Polly Peachum in “The Three Penny Opera” and Rapunzel in “Into the Woods.”
 She was also a district finalist at the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and the winner of the Idaho State Civic Symphony Young Artist Competition.
“The Metropolitan Opera National Council Audition was such an exciting experience,” Burge said. “I am so proud to have represented ISU well during its first year hosting such a fantastic competition.”
After graduating from ISU she moved to Portland, Oregon, where she studied with opera coach Ruth Dobson, a professor of music and director of opera at Portland State University. Dobson introduced Burge to the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University.
“When I was accepted it was a dream come true,” Burge said.
Burge then went on to graduate with her Master of Music degree in 2015.
“My time at Roosevelt taught me so much about resilience,” Burge said. “I truly learned to believe in myself and to push myself past the walls that I thought were built in my way. I learned a lot about myself as a person and as a performer.”
Burge’s future goal is to continue singing wherever and whenever she can.
 “One of the best things about Chicago is that so many of us young singers simply create our own opportunities,” Burge said. “So you really never know what fun project is coming your way next.”