"I am overjoyed about the unique opportunity afforded by the Indiana University School of Music, enabling me to continue my international career while simultaneously nurturing and fueling the energies and visions of the future operatic stars of tomorrow," Vaness said.

"I don't think we could have made a better appointment," said Mary Ann Hart, chair of IU Music School's voice department. "Earlier this month Carol completed her third residency at IU, and she has now worked with over 40 of our advanced students. Over the course of these visits it has become increasingly clear to everyone that Carol is not only an opera star, but also a sensational teacher of voice.

"Many famous singers in a master-class situation speak in generalities, either out of a fear of offending, or because they don't really know how to explain even their own technique," Hart added. "Carol, on the other hand, zeroed right in on each student and got to work on their technical issues."

Vaness was born in San Diego and studied at California State University. She made her debut as Vitellia in La clemenza di Tito with San Francisco Spring Opera, and has since sung the role at the Metropolitan Opera, Paris Opera, Royal Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and elsewhere. Her other signature roles include the title role of Tosca—which she performed last year opposite Luciano Pavarotti in the tenor's last operatic performance—Fiordiligi in CosÐ fan tutte, Donna Anna and Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni, and Elettra in Idomeneo. She recently sang the title role of Barber's Vanessa for the first time.