When Ariel Deshotel wanted to find a university that offered a quality music program, she knew she wouldn’t have to go far to find a familiar face.

After taking private voice lessons from Marion Russell-Dickson in high school, Deshotel decided to continue her vocal performance education under Russell-Dickson’s guidance at the University of St. Thomas.

Russell Dickson, adjunct professor of music, and Deshotel traveled to Oklahoma City University for the National Association of Teachers of Singing annual Texoma Regional Conference held Nov. 5 through 8. Deshotel’s performance of Mozart’s “Un moto di gioia,” set her in the top tier of more than 80 competitors hailing from the states of Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

“I’ve only taken private voice lessons for a little more than a year, so it was humbling to be able to compete among students with much more vocal training,” Deshotel said. “Working with Ms. Russell-Dixon has greatly enhanced my vocal technique, and she is providing the foundations for me to be successful as a singer.”

Russel Dickson applauded Deshotel’s performance and commitment to learning music.

“Ariel Deshotel is a fabulous student – eternally curious about all that encompasses music,” Russell Dickson said. “Ariel’s voice is warm and rich, with the upper extension growing beautifully for this young bel canto soprano. Her recent accomplishment at the Fall 2008 Texoma NATS Auditions is quite notable due to the large volume of participants.”