All About Ariana
Biography
Ariana Horner Sutherland, a lyric soprano hailing from the chilly town of Nome, Alaska, is a Doctor of Musical Arts candidate at the University of California, Santa Barbara, serving as a Teaching Assistant. In addition to her work at UCSB, she is on the faculty at Ventura Community College, teaching voice. Ariana holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Alaska and a Master’s in Vocal Performance from Sam Houston State University.
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As a dedicated advocate for music education and American music, Ariana blends her passion for teaching with a vibrant performance career. Her recitals have taken her across the globe, with performances from South Africa to the remote corners of Alaska.
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Under the mentorship of Dr. Isabel Bayrakdarian at UCSB, Ariana made her operatic debut as Pamina in the 2022 chamber adaptation of The Magic Flute, a collaborative project between UCSB and the New York City Opera. In the spring of 2023, she earned second place in the Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation competition. Ariana’s performances as an Opera Santa Barbara Chrisman Studio Artist include her portrayal of Clara in Opera Santa Barbara’s 2023 production of The Light in the Piazza by Adam Guettel and Micaëla (Cover) in Carmen by Georges Bizet.
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A passionate advocate for music education and American music, Ariana continues to inspire through her performances and teaching. Whether on stage or in the classroom, she shares her love for music and empowers the next generation of musicians.
Collegiate Teaching Experience
Dr. Horner Sutherland has collegiate teaching experience providing private voice instruction to undergraduate non-majors, leading class voice courses, and teaching music appreciation for non-major students. She also has two years of experience as a TA for music appreciation. Dr. HS is currently on faculty at Ventura Community College.
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Raised in rural Alaska, Dr. Horner Sutherland’s teaching philosophy is rooted in a commitment to equitable and accessible music education. Her approach to voice instruction is student-centered, focusing on identifying and nurturing each student’s natural vocal strengths while thoughtfully addressing areas for growth. She prioritizes inclusive, diverse repertoire selection, exposing students to a broad range of musical styles, time periods, and composers from varied backgrounds. Through her teaching, Dr. Horner Sutherland strives to create an environment where students are empowered to explore the richness of vocal music, develop technical and artistic skills, and cultivate a lifelong love for the vocal arts.
Secondary Teaching Experience
Dr. Horner Sutherland is an experienced music educator specializing in secondary and elementary music instruction. Her teaching background includes general music for grades K–6, elementary and high school choir, and high school band. She has extensive experience working with students aged 5–18, providing both individual and group voice lessons with an emphasis on vocal technique and performance preparation. Dr. Horner Sutherland’s approach to instruction is highly individualized, ensuring that each student receives the guidance they need to develop their unique musical abilities.
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Raised in rural Alaska, Dr. Horner Sutherland values community-based music education and is committed to making music accessible to all students. In addition to her regular teaching roles, she has worked as a music substitute teacher in both Nome and Fairbanks, Alaska, gaining further experience across diverse educational settings. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes inclusivity, technical development, and musical exploration, creating an environment where students are encouraged to grow and succeed.
