John Hines

Dr. John Hines is a distinguished bass and Professor of Voice at the University of Northern Iowa, where he has been a cornerstone of the vocal faculty since 2006. A seasoned interpreter of both operatic and concert repertoire, his artistry is defined by a deep specialization in Russian vocal repertoire and diction, bringing a nuanced and authentic approach to this complex area of performance. Dr. Hines’s career is rooted in elite international training, including residency at the American Institute of Musical Studies (AIMS) in Graz, Austria, and intensive studies at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, where he worked under the legendary Heldentenor James King. 

As a dedicated pedagogue, Dr. Hines has established a premier vocal studio characterized by a consistent record of student success at the highest levels of the industry. His students are frequent laureates in the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Auditions and NATS competitions, often securing prestigious placements in world-class young artist programs such as Glimmerglass, Wolf Trap, the San Francisco Opera Merola Program, and Des Moines Metro Opera. At UNI, he provides rigorous mentorship to undergraduate and graduate vocal majors, guiding them through the technical demands of the operatic stage and a vast range of song literature. 

Dr. Hines earned his Doctor of Musical Arts from the Shenandoah University Conservatory of Music, a Master of Music from Kent State University, and a Bachelor of Music Education from Heidelberg College. His technical lineage includes study with renowned mentors such as Andrew White, Bard Suverkrop, Dale Moore, and Carlos Montané as well as coaching with masters from the Metropolitan Opera, Chicago Lyric Opera, and Paris Opera. Outside of the studio, Dr. Hines is a passionate volunteer for RAGOM (Retrieve a Golden of the Midwest) and with his wife Susie, daughter Maggie and son John Henry they share their home in Cedar Falls with two beloved Golden Retrievers, Haylee and Frankie. When not engaged in music, he enjoys the meticulous craft of antique engine restoration, a hobby that mirrors the precision and care he brings to his vocal artistry.