Denise Bernardini

Focus and Philosophy: Dr. Denise Ritter-Bernardini is a dedicated teacher and mentor with a holistic approach to vocal training that nurtures both the artist and the person. She believes that technical mastery, emotional well-being, and artistic authenticity go hand in hand, creating a foundation for genuine, lasting success in the performing arts.

With a master’s degree in Clinical Psychotherapy, Dr. Ritter-Bernardini thoughtfully weaves mental health awareness into her teaching. She specializes in helping singers navigate performance anxiety, build resilience, and grow into confident, well-rounded artists who are ready for the real-world demands of performance. In her studio, students find a caring, encouraging environment where each person’s unique voice is celebrated, and where growth, artistry, and technical advancement are at the heart of every lesson.

As Radford University’s performance opportunities continue to grow, Dr. Ritter-Bernardini stays dedicated to helping singers not only excel but also build meaningful, adaptable careers in today’s ever-changing musical world.

Background: Dr. Denise Ritter-Bernardini is Associate Professor of Voice at Radford University and an internationally recognized soprano whose career spans the United States, Europe, and Canada. She has appeared as a soloist with prominent orchestras, including The New York Pops, Fort Worth Symphony, Tulsa Symphony, Toledo Symphony Orchestra, Southwest Michigan Symphony, and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, and has performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall.

Her international performances have taken her to London, Tbilisi (Republic of Georgia), Milan, Leibnitz (Austria), and across Canada, where she’s shared music with audiences from over 30 countries. These experiences shape her teaching, giving her students a broader outlook on the music world and the cultural understanding today’s performers need.

Her operatic roles include Violetta in La Traviata, Gilda in Rigoletto, the title role in Suor Angelica, First Lady in The Magic Flute, and Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors. Alongside her performing career, she’s a respected clinician, presenter, and author, well-known in the U.S. and abroad for her work in vocal teaching and musician wellness.

Teaching: Dr. Ritter-Bernardini is an applied voice teacher maintaining a full studio. She also teaches Opera Workshop and Vocal Pedagogy. Her classes blend strong technical guidance with performance science, mindfulness, and evidence-based teaching methods. As a mentor, she helps singers find their vocal freedom, deepen their musical interpretation, and build both discipline and resilience—qualities that help artists thrive in today’s music world.

Graduates and former students have performed with top opera companies and young artist programs like the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Santa Fe Opera, St. Louis Opera Theatre, Des Moines Opera, Michigan Opera Theatre, and Toledo Opera. Others have performed with renowned symphonies and participated in respected summer programs such as the Music Academy of the West.

Dr. Ritter-Bernardini’s students often win awards in both regional and national competitions, including the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition and events hosted by the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS). Each year, they earn generous scholarships and go on to create vibrant careers as performers, teachers, and arts leaders.

Beyond teaching vocal skills, Dr. Ritter-Bernardini helps her students prepare for real-life challenges in the arts by encouraging entrepreneurial spirit, teamwork, emotional intelligence, and the flexibility needed for today’s creative careers.

Research/Scholarship/Creative Work: Dr. Ritter-Bernardini’s research and creative work focus on supporting the whole artist, blending vocal performance, mindfulness, and mental health. She wrote the Amazon best-selling book The Mindfulness of Singing and has contributed to the Journal of Singing, helping move national conversations forward about musician wellness and performance psychology.

A frequent presenter at national and international conferences — including the International Congress of Voice Teachers and multiple National Association of Teachers of Singing gatherings — she is recognized as a leading advocate for healthy, sustainable approaches to vocal training.

Her creative projects include A Thousand Hands, A Million Stars, a touring performance that brings together music, poetry, dance, and visual art to raise awareness of human trafficking. Presented across the United States and internationally, this project reflects her deep belief in the power of the arts for cultural connection and positive change.

She has also served on the faculty of The Governor’s School of the Commonwealth of Virginia — the state’s premier fine arts program — where she also served as Director of Vocal Studies.

For more information about Denise Bernardini, please open the tabs below. If you would like a digital copy of her complete CV, please contact her at dbernardini1@radford.edu.