Biography

• BM and MM, West Chester University
• MM, opera, Curtis Institute of Music
• MM, performance and literature, Eastman School of Music
• DMA, voice performance, Temple University 

Dr. Lorie Gratis has over two decades of teaching experience, both as a private instructor and in the classroom. Her students have won numerous competitions and are successful in a wide variety of fields, from international opera careers to professional choirs to public school teaching. They have also appeared on Broadway, Netflix’s Orange is the New Black, and Germany’s Got Talent (Das Supertalent). As an educator, Gratis prides herself on working with her students to address their individual needs and goals and rejoicing in improvement along their vocal journeys. Her approach to technique is based in physicality, using Alexander Technique and exercise equipment to help students unlock their voice’s full potential. Gratis loves finding creative solutions to help each student achieve what they want to achieve.

As a soloist, Gratis has sung at Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, The Kimmel Center, The Academy of Music, The National Catherdal in DC, and with groups such as The National Symphony Orchestra, The Smithsonian Chamber Orchestra, Musica Sacra, The Washington Bach Consort, Amor Artis, Tempesta di Mare, Delaware Symphony, and Vox AmaDeus. Career highlights include both the thrill of singing early music with the best baroque orchestras in America and the honor of singing Verdi’s Requiem with four different orchestras. She was invited to participate in the Marlboro Music Festival for two seasons, has performed with the family division of Opera Delaware, and has made several recordings with Julianne Baird. She has also had recital engagements throughout America as a first place national winner of the NATSAA, NFMC, and the international first place winner of the Erwin Bodky Early Music Competition in Boston. Having won these three competitions, Gratis developed a love for recital singing and perfected the art of programming music that evoked that same emotional response from her audience. She translates this passion for song repertoire of all eras into helping her students craft the perfect recital program for their individual needs. Gratis studied at the Britten Pears School in England, and on a European study grant given by NFMC, earned a German language certificate.

Prior to her appointment at Temple University, Gratis taught at West Chester University and was a teaching assistant at The Eastman School of Music, where she received a MM in performance and literature and a Performer’s Certificate. She also holds a MM in opera from The Curtis Institute and a DMA from Temple University.

Gratis is an adjudicator for competitions, a masterclass technician, and a church organist, and she also maintains a private studio in West Chester, PA. Gratis is passionate about senior dog rescue, and she and her husband provide a loving home for four wonderful four-legged friends.