Email: mboutwell@leeuniversity.edu

Assistant Professor of Music


A native of South Carolina, Martha Boutwell has sung oratorio roles across the South with groups such as the Choral Society of Arlington, Texas; the William L. Dawson Chorale, Savannah, Ga.; Southern Adventist University Orchestra and Choirs; and the South Carolina Chamber Orchestra.

An experienced Gilbert and Sullivan performer, her roles include the Duchess of Plaza Toro in The Gondoliers, Katisha in The Mikado, and Ruth in The Pirates of Penzance.

Dr. Boutwell frequently appears in sacred concerts and is a versatile recitalist, singing spirituals, art songs, arias and Broadway favorites. She has collaborated with American composers such as Meira Warshauer, Lucy Underwood, Gwyneth Walker, David Schwoebel and Richard Maltz.

In 1980, she competed with the University of South Carolina Concert Choir in the 10th Bélá Bártók International Choir Competition in Debrecen, Hungary, (the only American choir ever invited) winning first place in two divisions. Following completion of a bachelor's degree in Music Education with performance certificate in Voice at USC, she attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, graduating with the master's degree in vocal performance.

During her seminary tenure, she studied voice with NATS master teacher Jack Coldiron. The late James C. McKinney (former President of NATS and Editor of the Journal of Singing) directed her studies in vocal pedagogy and voice practice teaching. She continued studies in choral conducting under C. David Keith.

In 1995, Martha earned the Doctorate of Musical Arts in vocal performance at USC under teacher Gene Ferguson. Advanced studies in Alexander Technique and vocal pedagogy were with Laurie Christy. Post-Doctoral studies include choral conducting at Westminster Choir College, under Pearl Shanquan, and vocal coaching with Metropolitan Opera mezzo-soprano Sandra Walker.

A music educator for three decades, Dr. Boutwell has served as a minister of music, voice and guitar teacher, middle school choral director, gifted and talented arts school instructor, artist in residence with Allied Arts of Chattanooga and the South Carolina Arts Commission.

During her collegiate teaching career, she has served Southern Adventist University, Augusta State University, Columbia International University, Newberry College, and Southern Wesleyan University.

Dr. Boutwell is a member of National Association of Teachers of Singing, Music Educators National Conference, Chorus America, ACDA and Pi Kappa Lambda.

Martha has been married for 21 years to Reverend Robert R. Boutwell, minister of music at First Baptist Church in Soddy Daisy, Tenn. They reside with daughter, Morgan, age 10, and 7 year old twins Micah and Hunter, daughter and son.