Curriculum Vitae 

Education 

Ed.D. in Music and Music Education-College Teaching, 2014 -- Columbia University Teachers College, New York, NY 

Dissertation: An applied voice teacher's process to teach singers to embody articulatory skills toward a resolution to problematic phonemes: Three case studies (Dr. Jeanne Goffi-Fynn, Committee Chair) 

 M.M. in Vocal Performance and Literature, 1985 -- Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY 

Bachelor of Music Vocal Performance and Literature, Opera Performance Certificate 1983  -- Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY 

Teaching /Scholarly Interests: 

Singer’s Diction: Vocal Strategies for Singers’ Articulation Skills 
Phoneme Specific Strategies for Foreign Languages 
Singers performance flexibility as it pertains to Genre

Teaching Experience 

2002 -- 2017  Assistant Professor of Voice, University of Oklahoma [Tenure track] Norman, OK 

As a member of the Voice Team/Area, I collaborated with the department area to distribute yearly scholarships of $150,000+ to prospective students. Coordinated yearly artist in residency Master Teachers and scheduled the teaching load while allocating a $75,000+ yearly budget. Headed the execution of the department’s team study abroad program to include initial submission process, grant application, and approval, successful solicitation on behalf of the students for scholarship assistance. For the study abroad program, I formulated, justified, executed and submitted the budget as well as final report submission.  Maintained a full teaching schedule while serving on masters and dissertation committees, committee member for departmental and university-wide committees. Graduate student departmental advisor that recruited, communicated degree requirements to assure students successfully completed their degree in a timely manner. Recruitment Coordinator for the Voice Area. Research Focus: Constructed hands-on manual with individual need-based curriculum to develop the skill set in a semester-long exploratory study with participants and successfully retrained the singers' ability to articulate with accuracy. Developed and presented a multi-media presentation for lecture series, conferences, and international performance. Collaborated with a team of area faculty members on departmental projects and organized professional organization yearly department's coordinator for conferences and competitions.

Courses Taught :

Applied Voice

MUTE 2292 (German Diction) 

JRRE 3021 (Junior Recital) 

SRRE 4021 (Senior Recital) 

MUTE 4543 (Vocal Pedagogy) 

MUTE 4226 (Vocal Literature)

 Honors/Awards/Fellowships (Selected) 

2015    Zelia N. Page Breaux Music Award, Black Liberated Arts Center, Inc., Oklahoma City, OK (November) 

2015    Presidential International Travel Fellowship, University of Oklahoma London Summer School of Voice, London, United Kingdom (May) 

2014    Nominated for Irene and Julian J. Rothbaum Presidential Professor of Excellence in the Arts, University of Oklahoma, OK (November)

Publications 

2014    Norton Lecture Series: Dissertation Title: An Applied Voice Teacher’s Process for Teaching Singers to Embody Articulatory Skills Towards a        Resolution to Problematic Phonemes: Three Case Studies University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 

2014    Teachers College, Columbia University, Doctoral Candidate, ED.D., Dissertation Title: An Applied Voice Teacher’s Process for Teaching Singers to Embody Articulatory Skills Towards a Resolution to Problematic Phonemes: Three Case Studies

2013    Mitchell-Cox, D. (2012). Elements that Affect Diction Clarity. Oklahoma Music Educators Online Journal, 19.3 (April). 

2010    “Featured Artist: Introduction,” p.10 ff. and Ch. 8 “And the Beat Goes On,” p. 116 ff. in Arnold, A., Images of America: Oklahoma City Music Deep Deuce and Beyond. Chicago: Arcadia Publishing. 

Lectures/Conference Presentations 

2017    Lecture: The Evolution of the Spiritual, Cimarron Opera’ s Festival of Spiritual Norman, OK. (Spring) 

2016    Lecture: Caring for Your Instrument, New York Christian College (NYACK), New York City, New York. (Spring) 

2015    Recital and Lecture: Langston Hughes Poetry in Song, Presenters; Donna Mitchell-Cox, soprano; Erica Thomas, reader, & Lorne Richstone, pianist for the NATS Texoma Region Conference and Competition, (Fall) 

Thesis & Dissertation Committee 

Olanna Goudeau, (2010) MM; Ashley Renee Watkins (2011), MM; Celia Zambon MM (2008); Jayna Parker, MM; Michelle Price (2015) MM; Jennifer Koljack (2015); Ekaterina Kotcheguinea (2015). 

 Becky Morrison, (2013), DMA; Title: The chest voice function in the classically trained soprano: A survey of selected vocal pedagogy treatises from the seventeenth century through the twentieth century and recording analysis from 1900 to the present with a discussion of the implications for the modern vocal pedagogue. 

Celia Zambon, (2012), DMA; Title: A performance guide of light lyric coloratura soprano repertoire in four early operas by Jean-Philippe Rameau (1733-1745). 

Master Class Clinician/Adjudicator 

Adjudicator: Texas Music Teachers Association, Dallas, TX (June 2017). 

Master Class Clinician: Langston University, Oklahoma (April 2017). 

Oklahoma National Association of Teachers for Singing (2006, 2007, 2009, 20011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017). 

Oklahoma Music Teacher Association Senior Competition Finals, Norman, OK (September 2015). 

National Association of Teachers of Singing for Texoma Region (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016). 

Master Class Clinician: Kansas Wesleyan University, Salina, KS (May 2008). 

Master Class Clinician: Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX (June 2007). 

Master Class Clinician & Adjudicator: Texas Music Teacher Association, Dallas, TX (June2007). 

Oklahoma Music Teacher Association Adjudicator: Norman, OK (October 2006). 

Master Class Clinician: Lincoln University, Jefferson City, MO (October 2004). 

Master Class Clinician: Tulsa University, Tulsa, OK (April 2002). 

Master Class Clinician: The University of New Mexico, Las Cruces, NM (October 1992).

Professional Service (Selected) 

2016-2017           Faculty Diversity and Inclusion Council, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 

2015-2017           School of Music Search for a Director, University of Oklahoma Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts, Norman, OK 

2015-2017           Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Norman OK 

2014                    National Anthem, Women’s Basketball, University of Oklahoma (Spring) 

2014-2017          Undergraduate Studies Committee, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 

2013-2017          Academic Advisor for MM Voice/Opera Students, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 

2013                    School of Dance Search Committee-Ballet Professor, University of Oklahoma Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts, Norman, OK 

2012-2015          Marilyn Horne Visiting Artist in Resident-Coordinator, University of Oklahoma Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts, Norman OK 

2012                   School of Music Search-Assistant Professor of Voice-Tenor, University of  Oklahoma Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts,                                            Norman, OK (Spring) 

2011-2017         Sigma Alpha Iota-Faculty Advisor, University of Oklahoma Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts, Norman OK 

2006-2009         Dr. Martin Luther King Convocation Committee University of Oklahoma, Norman, Ok (Spring) 

2009                  Faculty Advisory Council Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts 

2009                  School of Music Search Committee-Vocal Coach, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 

2008                  School of Music Search Committee for Voice Area Department Chair Norman, OK,   

2007                  School of Music Search Committee for Applied Voice Professor-Tenor, Norman, OK 

2004-2006        Benton-Schmidt Opera Competition Coordinator, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 

2005                  School of Music Search Committee-Applied Voice Professor-Baritone, Norman, OK 

2005                    Houston NATS Recruitment Trip, Houston, TX

Scholarship 

London Summer School of Voice, Study Abroad Program for Singers. University of Oklahoma’s Internal Review Board # 5185 Title: The Outcome of Singers’ Diction in a Short-Term Study Abroad in the London Summer School of Voice: A Case Study (Summer 2015). 

Nortan Lecture Series: Dissertation Title: An Applied Voice Teacher’s Process for Teaching Singers to Embody Articulatory Skills Towards a Resolution to Problematic Phonemes: Three Case Studies University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK (November 2014). 

Teachers College, Columbia University, Doctoral Candidate, ED.D., Dissertation Title: An Applied Voice Teacher’s Process for Teaching Singers to Embody Articulatory Skills Towards a Resolution to Problematic Phonemes: Three Case Studies (May 2014). 

Mitchell-Cox, D. (2012). Elements that Affect Diction Clarity. www.okmea.org/documents/ARCHIVEDPASTPUBLICATIONS/SMALL/SPRINGOKLAMUSIC Oklahoma Music Educators Online Journal, 19.3 (April 2013). 

Pennell, R., Mitchell-Cox, D., Adams-Johnson, S. (Pending). Self-Directed & Creative Learning, Fine Arts Department Students at OU. IRB Pending. R. Pennell, primary investigator, D. Mitchell-Cox, researcher, & S. Johnson, researcher (2010).

Creativity/Performance 

Soloist, Ray’s Gospel Mass, Director, David Simmons, Calvary Baptist Church, Washington, DC, April 2019. 

Soloist, God Bless the Child, Director, David Simmons, Congressional Choir, Washington, DC, March 2019. 

Charlie Christian Music Festival Jam Session Participant, Black Liberated Arts Center, Inc., Oklahoma City, OK, June 2017. 

Soloist, Handel’s Messiah, Christ the King Catholic Church, Oklahoma City, OK, May 2017. 

Soloist, Mozart’s Laudate dominum, Christ the King Catholic Church, Oklahoma City, OK, May 2017. 

Soloist, Olive Dungan and Dr. Cox’s a capella arrangement of Spiritual, Langston University, Guthrie, Ok, April 2017. 

Soloist, A capella arrangements of Spirituals by Dr. Cox, Cimarron Opera’s Festival of Spirituals, Norman, OK, April 2017. 

Mahler’s 2nd Symphony, Soloist, with organist London David Briggs and conductor Adam Pajan, Oklahoma City Masterworks Choir, Norman, OK, March 2017. 

Soloist, Women’s Choir, Music Porpora and Walker, University of Oklahoma, Sharp Hall, Norman, OK, February 2016. 

Artist Presenter, An Evening of Langston Hughes Poetry in Song, D. Mitchell-Cox, soprano and L. Richstone, Pianist, National Association of Teachers of Singing Texoma Region Conference and Competition, Oklahoma City, OK, November 2015. 

Monteverdi’s Orfeo, D. Mitchell-Cox in the roles of La Musica, Euridice, and Speranza with OU Collegium Musicum Galileo Festival, University of Oklahoma, Sharp Hall, Norman, OK, November 2015. 

Faculty Recital, D. Mitchell-Cox, soprano, Suzanne Turk, clarinet, Music by Schubert, University of Oklahoma, Pitman Hall, OK, September 17, 2015. 

Donna Mitchell-Cox Recital London, Great Britain, Music by Rossini, Brahms, Still, Owens, Grosz, Burleigh, Gordan, June 2015. 

Faculty Recital, Music by Lachner, D. Mitchell-Cox, soprano, Eldon Matlick, french horne, and Lorne Richstone, pianist, Music by Lachner, University of Oklahoma, Pittman Hall, Norman, OK, March 2015. 

Faculty Recital, An Evening of Langston Hughes Poetry in Song, D. Mitchell-Cox, soprano, L. Richstone, pianist, H. Jeffers, poet and lecturer, University of Oklahoma, Pittman Hall, Norman, Ok, February 2015. 

Handel, Messiah, D. Mitchell, soprano, A. Sandoval, alto, N. Davis, tenor, D. Singletary, Dr. J. Paulk, conductor, East New Mexico University and Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra, Clovis, NM, November 2014. 

Stanley, Soul on Fire, Role: Lyla, Kennedy Center, Washington, DC, July 2014. 

Haydn, Seasons, D. Mitchell-Cox, soprano, J. Burcham, tenor, M. Billy, bass-baritone, R. Zielinski, conductor & M. Holt, choreographer, Collaboration with OU Symphony, Choral and Dance Departments, University of Oklahoma, Reynolds Performing Arts Center, Norman, OK, April 2014. 

Bach, Kanata 196, D. Mitchell-Cox, soprano, J. Burcham, tenor, L. Flanagen, baritone, R. Zielinski, conductor, Academia Filarmonica & School of Music Chorale, University of Oklahoma, Sharp Hall, Norman, OK. October 2013 

Faculty Recital, Gillie, To the Seasons for soprano, horn, and piano. D. Mitchell-Cox, soprano, E. Matlick, french horn, and L. Richstone, piano, University of Oklahoma, Pittman Hall, April 2013. 

Donna Mitchell-Cox Studio Recital at University of Oklahoma Art Museum, September 2013. 

Artist Presenter, 49th International Horn Symposium, Performance of Gina Gillie’s To the Seasons for soprano, horn, and piano. Musicians: Donna Mitchell-Cox, soprano, Eldon Matlick, french horn, and Kayla Paulk, piano, University of Memphis, TN, August 2013 

Stanley, Soul on Fire, Role: Lyla, Midtown International Theatre Festival, June Havoc Theatre, New York City, NY, July 2013. 

Garmon, Premier Veni Sanctus Spiritus, D. Mitchell-Cox, soprano, S. Adams-Johnson, soprano, T. Dees, soprano, University of Oklahoma, Pittman Hall, Norman, OK, April 2013. 

Faculty Recital, Karg-Elert, Nun ruhen alle Wälder” with organ, voice, and violin, D. Mitchell-Cox, soprano, C. Sproat, organ, G. Lee, violin, University of Oklahoma, Gothic Hall, March 2013. 

Faculty Recital, Lachner, 3 pieces for soprano, horn, and piano, D. Mitchell-Cox, soprano, E. Matlick, french horn, and L. Richstone, piano, February 2013. 

Bach, Psalm 150, D. Mitchell-Cox, soprano, with conductor R. Zielinski, Academia Filarmonica & School of Music Chorale, University of Oklahoma, Sharp Hall, Norman, OK. February 2013. 

Haydn, The Creation, D. Mitchell-Cox, soprano, T. Bolton, mezzo-soprano, B. Williams, tenor, R. Zielinski, and conductor M. Holt, choreographer, Collaboration with OU Symphony, Choral and Dance Departments, University of Oklahoma, Reynolds Performing Arts Center, Norman, OK, April 2012. 

Stanley, Soul on Fire, Role: Lyla, Rose State College, Oklahoma City, OK, October 2011. 

Stanley, Soul on Fire, Role: Lyla, National Black Theatre Festival, Winston Salem, NC, August 2011. 

Brahms, Requiem & Wolfe Wo find’ ich Trost, Boston Avenue United Methodist Church Chancel Choir and Orchestra, Tulsa, OK, April 2011. 

Vivaldi, Dixit Dominus, Psalm 109, RV 595, D. Mitchell-Cox, soprano, R. Ambrosini, alto, B. Williams, tenor, K. Josephson, baritone with conductor, R. Zielinski, Academia Collegium, University of Oklahoma, Sharp Hall, Norman, OK. February 2011. 

Musical Premier Soul on Fire, Role: Lyla by Tyrone Stanley, Oklahoma City, OK., October 2010, 2nd & December 2010. 

Mendelssohn, Elijah Op. 70, OU Academia Filharmonica, D. Mitchell-Cox, soprano, R. Ambrosini, alto, B. Williams, K. Josephson, baritone, R. Zielinski, conductor, University of Oklahoma, Sharp Hall, April 2010. 

Faculty Recital, American Composers Lecture and Recital, D. Mitchell-Cox, soprano,  J. Ham, & L. Richstone, pianist, &  D. Leffingwell, lecturer, OU Pittman Hall, March 2010. 

Faculty Recital, African American Composers Recital, D. Mitchell-Cox, soprano & L. Richstone, pianist, Carol Brice Series, Black Liberated Arts Center, Inc. Oklahoma City, OK., February 2010.         

Mozart, Requiem K. 626. D. Mitchell-Cox, soprano, R. Ambrosini, contralto, B. Williams, tenor, T. Donovan, bass with R. Zielinski, conductor, Sharp Hall, Norman, OK, October 2009. 

Fauré, Requiem, D. Mitchell-Cox, soprano soloist, K. Josephson, baritone, M. Lucas, conductor, OU Chamber Orchestra and University Choir, Sutton Concert Series, with Sharp Hall, Norman, OK, March 2009. 

Music of Franz Joseph D. Mitchell-Cox, soprano Soloist, R. Ambrosini, contralto, L. Flanagan, baritone with Eph Ehly, conductor, Sharp Hall, Norman, OK, March 2009. 

Faculty Recital, A Jazz Evening with D. Mitchell-Cox & Company, L. Hammet, guitar, W. Taylor, III, drummer, M.T. Berry, bass. Petroleum Club, Oklahoma City. February 2009. 

Watley, Premiere of “I’ll Do It!” D. Mitchell-Cox, vocalist, D. Carter, pianist, Sooner Theatre, Norman, OK, November 2008. 

Bach, Cantata #129 “Gelobet sei der Herr” Sutton Concert Series, Accademia Filarmonica, D. Mitchell-Cox, soprano, R. Ambrosini, alto, L. Flanagen, bass with R. Greenlee, conductor, Sharp Hall, Norman, OK., October 2008. 

Beethoven, Ninth Symphony, D. Mitchell-Cox, soprano, M. Dolan, alto, J. Perniciaro, tenor, J. Figg with Ken Hakoda, conductor, Salina Symphony, Salina, KS., May 2008. 

Mendelssohn, Elijah, D. Mitchell-Cox, soprano, A. Golliver alto, K. Childs, tenor,  J. Snider, baritone with  Pamela Elrod, conductor, Boston Avenue United Methodist Church Chancel Choir and Orchestra, Tulsa, OK., April 2008. 

Faculty Recital, Williams, Ten Blake Songs for voice and oboe, D. Mitchell-Cox, soprano & J. Cox, oboe, Pittman Hall, Norman, OK. 2008. 

Vivaldi, Dixit Dominus, Psalm 109, RV 595, D. Mitchell-Cox, soprano, C. Obrien, mezzo-soprano, R. Ambrosini, alto, B. Williams, tenor, K. Josephson, baritone with E. Enrico, conductor, Academia Collegium, Sharp Hall, Norman, OK, January 2008. 

Handel, Messiah, D. Mitchell-Cox, soprano, S. DeArman, mezzo-soprano, D. Lucas, tenor, A. Foshee, baritone with  S. Thompson, Metropolitan Choir & Orchestra, Oklahoma City, OK., December, 2007. 

Haydn, Mass in B flat, Theresienmesse, D. Mitchell-Cox, soprano, R. Ambrosini, alto, B. Williams, tenor, L. Flanagan, baritone with R. Greenlee, conductor, Academia Fiilharminica, Sharp Hall, Norman, OK, October 2007. 

Bach, Magnificat, BWV 243, Sutton Concert Series, Accademia Filarmonica, D. Mitchell-Cox, soprano, C. O’Brien, mezzo-soprano, B. Williams, tenor, K. Josephson, bass with E. Ehly conductor, Sharp Hall, Norman, OK, February 2007. 

Brubeck, Mass, To Hope, D. Mitchell-Cox, soprano, B. Westervelt, tenor, P. Van De Graaf, baritone, Dave Brubeck, piano with R. Gloyd, conductor, Canterbury Choral Society, Oklahoma City, OK, February 2007. 

Guest Artist Recital Series, D. Mitchell-Cox, soprano & C. Chiang, pianist, Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX, January 2007. 

Faculty Recital, Strozzi, Leonarda and Vivaldi, Women’s Music of the Italian Baroque, D. Mitchell-Cox, soprano with R. Theresa, R. McCarthy coordinators, L. Gutiérrez, viola da gamba, R. McKay harpsichord, Pittman Hall, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, November 2006. 

Mozart, Die Zauberflöte, D. Mitchell-Cox, Pamina with J. Shames, conductor and B. Ferrara, director, OU Opera, School of Music, Reynolds Performing Arts Center, Norman, OK, October 2006. 

Purcell, Dido and Aeneas OU Opera, School of Music & Dance, D. Mitchell-Cox, Belinda & Second Woman, with J. Shames, conductor, Reynolds Performing Arts Center, Norman, OK, March 2006. 

Purcell, Dido and Aeneas OU Opera, School of Music & Dance, D. Mitchell-Cox, Second Woman, Video Recording, Reynolds Performing Arts Center, Norman, OK, March 2006.

Professional Organization: 

Music Teachers National Association, 2013. 

Sigma Alpha Iota: Distinguished Member, 2011. 

National Association of Teachers for Singing, 2005.  

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at the University of Rochester, New York, 1981. 

Community Service: 

1996-2017       Charlie Christian Jazz Festival, Staff Volunteer and Researcher, Black Liberated Arts Center, Inc., Oklahoma City, OK, Administrative and  event’s assistant  Provide research assistance to Executive Director, Anita Arnold 

2014-present   Board Member, Cimarron Opera Company, Norman, OK, Community Service Volunteer for events and advice on season casting  

2008-2016       Concert Coordinator, Norman Lions Club Community Service  Coordinate seasonal concert with students from the Voice Area and Lorne Richstone, Opera Coach/Collaborative Pianist