Wanda Joyce Farwell, professor emerita of voice at Rice University in Houston, Texas, passed away on January 21. She was 91 years old.
A native of Oklahoma, Dr. Farwell earned her bachelor’s degree and master of music degree from the University of Oklahoma and her doctor of musical arts degree in voice from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.
Dr. Farwell’s career in academia included faculty appointments with Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, the University of Wisconsin, Western Carolina University, and Baylor University in Waco, Texas. She joined the faculty at Rice University’s Shepard School of Music in 1994, teaching vocal pedagogy and vocal coaching for collaborative artists until her retirement in 2005.
Throughout her lifetime, Dr. Farwell performed as a soloist in recitals and operas and with orchestras across the United States. She was also frequently invited to lead masterclasses, workshops, and seminars with the Amalfi Coast Music Festival, the American Institute for Musical Study in Austria, and the Voice Institute at the Texas Medical Center.
She taught me at WCU. She was a great teacher and wonderful lady. It was an honor to have met her and Dr. James Dooley of the music department.