What years did you attend HSA?
I attended HSA 1994-5

What did you learn from your experience at HSA?
I attended HSA the same time I was enrolled at LaGuardia High School. I took my first vocal lessons from Baritone Edward Smart. It was more than inspiring having an African American male as a teacher, who had had an international career as an Lieder and Opera Singer. HSA was also about 6 blocks from my apartment! It was more than just coincidence.

Do you have any advice for current HSA students?
My advice for HSA students is to be a sponge and soak up as much information as you can from your teachers. Stay open to the many options and possibilities ahead for you.

Where did you study after HSA and what was
your major?
After HSA and LaGuardia High School, I attended The Juillard School on Scholarship where I received my BM in Vocal Music. I was then accepted to the Prestigious Merola Program in San Francisco, California and then was invited to become an Adler Fellow with The San Francisco Opera, which is one of the top Young Artist Programs in the world. I joined the roster of the Metropolitan Opera House in New York in 2008.

How did HSA change your life?
HSA offered me my first introduction to private study and the importance of vocal and musical training that was and still is essential in my life and career.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about what arts education has done for you?
Arts education is very important to me. I was first introduced to the arts in I.S.44 (Which has cut its arts and science school - Sadly) I joined the choir as an extra activity and was introduced to a whole new world with music and language as well as math through music. Within two years, I had already won my first vocal music prize at The New England Music Festival. Arts education has taught about disipline which is not only needed in music, but more importantly in life. Music and Arts is what feeds our souls as humans. A career in the Arts is challenging like most things in life, but also very rewarding. If not for Arts Education, I would not be having a career as an International Opera Singer.

How can people learn more about you?
One can learn about me by visiting my website www.NoahStewart.com or my Facebook artist profile.

I recently signed with Decca/ Universal Records and will be releasing my first CD Entitled Noah next spring. To hear music clips please visit this site.