ABOUT ALISON...

Alison Neace, mezzo-soprano and teacher, loves making and sharing music. Her love of music began early, singing along with her parents. By age four, she was playing the piano and she added percussion instruments in middle school. She began taking voice lessons at thirteen and continued her studies at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, where she graduated with a degree in Music Education. Alison started teaching private voice and piano lessons during college. After graduation, she taught public school music, directed the Masterworks Children’s Chorus, and served as a church Music Director leading traditional and contemporary ensembles. Alison has served as a professional vocalist with many St. Louis choral ensembles and is currently a Principal Singer with the Bach Society of St. Louis. In addition to her work with early music and classical choral groups, she has directed and been onstage in many musical theatre productions.  Alison is honored to have won three Arts for Life Awards for Best Music Direction.  She is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) and was selected as a recipient of the 2022 Joan Frey Boytim Award for Independent Teachers. 

​Alison’s students are very active in musical groups at their schools and in their communities. They are regularly selected for audition-only ensembles, including ILMEA All-State and District Choirs. Many are active in theatre and can be seen in leading and ensemble roles at their schools, with community theatre groups, and on professional stages in St. Louis. She is thrilled to have students studying music at prestigious universities, including Belmont University, Milliken University, Northwestern University Bienen School of Music, Roosevelt University, University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music, and Wheaton College Conservatory of Music.

Alison lives in Alton with her musical family. She and her husband, Shawn, met in college choir.  They have been singing together for many years, performing in choral ensembles, musicals, and for private events.  Shawn has performed for several seasons with Opera Theatre of St. Louis and enjoys getting back to his roots singing Southern Gospel whenever he has the chance!  They have three musical kids who all sing and play instruments.  They love making music together as a family...in choirs, onstage, and at home!  

TEACHING....

Alison's first teaching opportunity came when she was asked to teach music to her 3rd grade class.  She would play the piano and lead the class in singing patriotic and popular music.  In middle school, Alison began accompanying and coaching singers for Solo and Ensemble contests.  During college, her private voice teacher encouraged her to teach voice and piano lessons.  She also directed the Children's Choir at St. John UCC in Granite City.  After graduation, Alison taught K-6 general music and 6th grade choir in the Highland School District.  While continuing to teach private students of all ages, Alison was appointed Director of the Masterworks Children's Chorus in Belleville, IL and became Music Director at Main Street UMC in Alton.  She added private voice lessons through the Alton High School Conservatory, where she continues to teach.  She was excited to teach through the Bach Society of St. Louis' Finding Your Voice program in 2020.  Alison has also acted as music and vocal director for many musicals, most recently as a director and founding member of Riverbend Theatre.

SINGING...

In addition to teaching, Alison has been performing and singing since childhood in choirs, competitions, and musicals.  Alison was an active member of her college choir, band, and opera program.  She has performed as an ensemble member and soloist with many St. Louis area choirs, including the Bach Society of St. Louis (former Young Artist and current Principal Singer), Pro-Arte St. Louis, Missouri Choral Artists, and American Chamber Chorale.  She often sings for special seasonal services at area churches and for weddings and funerals.  Active in community theatre, Alison has enjoyed performing many roles onstage.  Favorites roles include Kitty in The Drowsy Chaperone, Mayzie La Bird in Seussical, Miss Hannigan in Annie, and multiple crazy characters in Forbidden Broadway.