William Peace University, (http://www.peace.edu/) a private four-year university located in downtown Raleigh, is proud to announce the hiring of Michael Santangelo as Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre. Santangelo has served as a piano player and instructor for the WPU Singers for the last three years, helping mentor and hone the skills of the musical group. In his new roles, he will teach musicianship and piano classes for the BFA Program, as well as provide private voice lessons. Additionally, he will continue his role assisting the WPU Singers.

Before arriving at WPU, Santangelo’s music education experience spanned more than a dozen years having taught in the New York public school system, then later for the North Carolina Theatre, Raleigh Little Theatre, Gateway Playhouse, and Disney Theatricals. He is heavily involved in the Raleigh theatre community as an educator, musical director, and musician, and maintains part-time employment with the North Carolina Theatre and its conservatory program. Santangelo holds a Bachelor of Music with a concentration in Voice and Choral Singing from the Crane School of Music at State University of New York (SUNY) Postdam. He is currently working toward a M.M. in Music Education from UNC-Greensboro.

“I am excited to be a part of the William Peace University community as a whole, and am thrilled to be a part of the BFA Program,” Santangelo said. “I look forward to many shows at WPU, and to showing the community of Raleigh what our wonderful students and faculty have to offer.”

“Michael is a much welcomed addition to our BFA Program,” said Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D., President of William Peace University. “His dedication to music and education is evident through his prior work here at WPU. We’re glad to now have him here on a daily basis.”

"It’s really cool that the University looked to someone who was already familiar with the BFA Program and its singers," said Joshua Walker ’16, BFA Student and WPU Singer. “A lot of BFA students, if not all of them, already know Michael and what he brings to the table. I’ve really enjoyed his classes.”

Santagelo is from Long Island and resides in North Raleigh.

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