Amanda Santo is a soprano based in Warwick, Rhode Island, with a career spanning nearly 30 years. She currently serves as the Choral and Musical Theatre Director for the award-winning Music Program at the Arts Academy at Cumberland High School in Rhode Island. Under her leadership, the school’s choral ensembles have been consistently praised for their beauty of tone, musicality, and ability to perform complex and challenging repertoire. Through a student-centered, collaborative teaching philosophy, Ms. Santo emphasizes healthy vocal development, musical literacy, and expressive artistry while fostering a supportive ensemble culture rooted in respect, accountability, and shared purpose. Her approach has contributed to significant growth in both student participation and musical achievement, while building a strong sense of community within the program.

 

She has also served on the faculty of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School and the Community College of Rhode Island, where she taught Applied Voice, Opera Workshop, Voice Class, Music Theory, Introduction to Music, and Foundations in Music, and served as Music Director for the college’s musical theatre productions. In addition to her academic work, she maintains an active private voice studio, where she works with singers of all ages to build technical skill, confidence, and artistic independence.

​

Santo earned her Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from The Hartt School of Music and an Advanced Certificate in Vocal Performance from the University of Connecticut, where she studied with renowned vocal pedagogue Dr. Constance Rock. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Rhode Island College, where she was awarded the prestigious Rita V. Bicho Memorial Scholarship and honored as the Outstanding Music Graduate of her class. She has also completed advanced coursework in choral conducting at Westminster Choir College. She is a frequent adjudicator and choral festival manager for state and regional ensembles, and an active member of NAfME, RIMEA, ACDA, and NATS.

​

Following the completion of her degrees, Ms. Santo performed extensively throughout New England, frequently appearing as soprano soloist in major choral works by Schubert, Haydn, Handel, Mozart, and Rutter with choruses and orchestras across the region. Her operatic and concert credits include performances with the Warwick Symphony Orchestra, West Bay Chorale, Opera Providence, Salt Marsh Opera, Connecticut Concert Opera, Hartford Opera Theater, and the Ana Livia Opera Festival in Dublin, Ireland. She is also a member of Rhode Island’s only professional chamber choir, Collegium Ancora. She lives in Warwick, Rhode Island, with her husband and four children.