Biography
Laura "Missy" Curl is a well-rounded musician from the Washington, D.C. metro area. Born and raised in Bethesda, MD, she was fortunate enough to have benefited from the D.C. music community from a young age, as one of her earliest professional engagements was singing in the children's chorus with the Washington National Opera in productions of Carmen and Turandot. As a teenager, she was chosen to participate in the Washington National Opera Institute for Young Singers. She continued her studies in voice at the University of Maryland in College Park, where she received a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Italian Studies. In her final year of study at the university, she was selected to represent the undergraduate voice division in the annual University of Maryland School of Music Honors Recital, where she performed Barbara Strozzi's cantata Lagrime mie.
Missy attended the Catholic University of America for graduate school, where she received a Master of Arts degree in Musicology. During her time there, she managed the Chamber Choir, and was the first featured soloist in Catholic University's Concerts spirituels, a concert series of monthly musical devotions. Missy has also worked as a soprano section leader in various churches in the DMV area such as Chevy Chase United Methodist Church, The Basilica of St. Mary in Alexandria, VA, and Fourth Presbyterian Church in Bethesda, MD. She also serves as a cantor at The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Washington, D.C.
In addition to her performing experience, Missy has extensive experience teaching private music lessons locally. She maintained a full studio of private voice and beginner piano students at the International School of Music ranging from age 5-75, and is currently the private voice instructor at Bullis School in Potomac, MD. She has acted as a guest speaker/ masterclass leader at schools in the MD/DC area such as Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bethesda, MD and Edmund Burke School in Washington, D.C., and has acted as a judge for the 2022 Montgomery County Public Schools Solo & Ensemble Adjudications.
Missy is also involved in the DMV music scene in numerous ways. Missy has held internships with local arts organizations such as The Washington Chorus , the Boulanger Initiative, and Washington Performing Arts. She also held a position as the executive coordinator at Sitar Arts Center. In 2020, Missy had the honor of acting as a regional and state panelist for the Maryland State Arts Council Independent Artist Awards. Missy is inspired by the music & performing arts scenes in the Washington, D.C. area and is thankful to have had so many incredible artistic experiences throughout her life. She is excited and determined to share all that she has learned with her audiences & students alike!