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Deirdre Welborn
The South Carolina School of the Arts
The South Carolina School of the Arts
Associate Professor of Music
dwelborn@andersonuniversity.edu
115 Rainey Fine Arts Center
Academic Background
Deirdre Welborn has enjoyed a diverse musical career as a performer, music educator, voice teacher, and church musician for over 40 years. At AU, she teaches applied voice in all majors, Vocal Pedagogy 1 and 2, Class Voice for Non-Majors, and serves as the Vocal Coordinator for the department. She is passionate about vocal health and and feels called to help singers find their authentic, freest voice, to avoid vocal injury, and be the best steward of their God-given gifts. She enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with family.
Associate of Fine Arts Degree, Anderson College
BME, Furman University
MM, Westminster Choir College
Fast Facts
Engaging and active, sprinkled with humor! I pose many questions. I have the highest expectations, and I don’t allow the student to give me less than I know they are capable of giving – I often push students out of their comfort zone! All of this is wrapped in encouragement and support. I rejoice in their success, I reassure in their “failures”. I remind them of the words of the celebrated American soprano Beverly Sills, “You a may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you never try!”. And in the end, a failure is a only mistake from which you do not learn!
Music has been a part of my life since I was seven years old, when I first began learning piano with my beloved teacher—my grandmother, a proud Anderson College graduate, class of 1921. Music was her life, and she passed that passion on to me.
Piano was my first love, but when I discovered singing, I felt like I had truly found my home. Now, as both a performer and teacher, I find great joy not only in helping students develop their voices, but also in mentoring future voice teachers.
In the voice studio, it’s a joy to guide students as they discover their authentic, unique voice. There’s nothing quite like witnessing those “a-ha” moments—when something clicks and their dedication and persistence pay off. It’s an honor and a privilege to be part of each student’s musical and vocal journey.
Being a musician is more than just a career — it’s a calling. It’s a joy to create music every day, to express yourself through the music, and connecting with others in a way only music can. While talent is a great starting point, it will only get you so far. Your success comes after putting in the time, doing the work, and constantly honing your craft. It means pushing your limits, learning from every experience, while never losing sight of who you are. Because at the end of the day, your greatest asset is you. There’s only one you — and your unique voice is what the world needs to hear.
The students are truly the heart of what I do. They are not only incredibly talented and creative, but also deeply committed to excellence. What sets them apart here at AU is their unwavering support for one another — always encouraging, uplifting, and celebrating each other’s successes. It’s inspiring to witness such a strong sense of community and shared purpose.
One of the greatest blessings of teaching here is the opportunity to share my faith through my work. Helping students discover their calling in music through Christ brings a profound sense of meaning to what we do. Our students strive to perform at their very best, not for their own glory, but to reflect the love of Christ — allowing the Light within them to shine brighter than the light shining upon them.
I’m also incredibly grateful to work alongside such gifted and supportive colleagues. The collaboration and unity among the faculty at the South Carolina School of the Arts create an environment that is both enriching and deeply rewarding — a truly special place to teach, grow, and serve.
Licensed Body Mapping Educator through The Association for Body Mapping Education
Singing Voice Specialist training to rehabilitate injured singers