All About Ariana
Biography
Ariana Horner Sutherland is a lyric soprano originally from Nome, Alaska. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Alaska, a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Sam Houston State University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She currently holds the position of Assistant Professor of Music in Voice at Lebanon Valley College, where she maintains an active career as both a performer and educator.
Ariana has performed operatic roles, including Pamina in The Magic Flute, and has been recognized in several competitions, earning second place in the Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation competition in 2023 and first place in 2025. As a Chrisman Studio Artist with Opera Santa Barbara, her roles included Clara in the 2022–23 production of The Light in the Piazza by Adam Guettel, and she covered the role of Micaëla in the 2023 production of Carmen.
An accomplished recitalist, Dr. Horner Sutherland has performed internationally, with appearances ranging from South Africa to remote communities across Alaska. Most recently, she served as Guest Artist in Residence at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where she presented a recital and taught private lessons and masterclasses.
Ariana is a passionate advocate for music education and American repertoire, and continues to integrate her commitment to teaching with a vibrant and evolving performance career.
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 currently works as an assistant professor at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, PA where she maintains a studio and instructs in singers diction and song interpretation.
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.
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 music 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.
