Lisa Edwards-Burrs is just finishing up her first full year as an assistant voice professor here at Longwood University. She is no stranger to life as a professor as she also taught voice at Virginia State University. She describes her teaching style as "direct but supportive, cheerful but firm, critical but kind."
Edwards-Burrs is relatively new to the Longwood faculty, however she says it has already been a very rewarding experience. "I have met some parents of a few of my students who performed Senior Recitals and received very positive comments about their experiences in my Studio. That was very fulfilling."
However what some may not know about Edwards-Burrs is all the unique experiences the professor has had within her own career as a performer. She even had the unique opportunity to sing an operatic version of the Star Spangled Banner for president Obama during a visit he made to Virginia State University's campus. “It was an amazing moment and privilege. In addition, the Secret Service was kind enough to extend the invitation to my family to attend, as well. It was certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that none of us will forget."
Before she was a successful professor with an impressive resume, she was just another aspiring high school singer. However with the help of another great educator from her past, she was able to attain the confidence that she needed. "I had a wonderful high school choral director (Kay Cameron) who assured me that I had the musical skills to be successful though, at the time, I was unsure."
Of course Edwards-Burrs went on to achieve her dreams, and along the way she got the chance to perform many different pieces. So many in fact that when asked what her favorite was to perform, she simply couldn't pick. "That is a loaded question since my repertoire list is long from so many years of singing! Some of my favorites are the “Vier Letzte Lieder” (Four Last Songs) by Richard Strauss, “A Chloris” by Reynaldo Hahn, “Music for a While” by Henry Purcell and “Watch and Pray” by Undine Smith Moore. My favorite choral piece is the “Requiem” by Maurice Duruflé."
Edwards-Burrs has had such an amazing career. She was named Richmond Magazine's vovalist of the year. She even had the opportunity to perform in an original opera called "Vanqui" which was written by her brother-in-law. However, she says that one of her proudest achievements is seeing her two children choose to make music as well.
"I have been fortunate to sing in many places and for many occasions that have been meaningful to me and, I hope, to others (which is the most important part). It is also gratifying that two of my children are musicians. My daughter, Naima, is a Violinist and my youngest son, Morgan, is studying Jazz Guitar at VCU."
