Michael Ballam is a nationally acclaimed opera singer, a sought-after lecturer, and a professor of music at Utah State University.

In an amazing repertoire that includes over 80 major roles, his voice has been described as “splendid” by the Washington Post, “commanding” by the Chicago Tribune, and “superb” by the Philadelphia Inquirer.

An insatiable musician, he is an extraordinary pianist and accomplished oboist. Today, Dr. Ballam has already participated in three operatic world premieres, including Krysztof Penderecki’s Paradise Lost, and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Dr. Ballam made his debut with the San Francisco Opera in Elektra, sharing the stage with Monserrat Cabelle, Kiri Te Kanawa, and Brigit Nilsson. He also appeared in the international telecast of Samson and Delilah with Shirley Verret.

He has performed regularly with the Pennsylvania Opera Theatre, Kentucky Opera, Philadelphia Opera, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Michigan Opera Theatre, and the Mississippi Opera.

Cassette 1 – Divine Inspiration in the Creation of Great Music
What is music? Where does the power of music come from? Dr. Ballam gives answers from the Greeks, the scriptures, and the journals, discourses, and interviews of great composers. He also draws from his own personal experiences. Through his eloquent word and voice, Dr. Ballam provides understanding of the divine nature of great music.

Cassette 2 – Music that Lifts or Lowers: How to Tell the Difference
Artistic, scientific, and spiritual evidences combine to help the listener discern the inspiration behind the music available in our time. Is the source from light or darkness? The cassette includes the means to decipher and to enlighten our association with the right forms of music through word and song.