Biography
In the distinguished sphere of classical music, Cee E. Adamson (she/they/Mx.) stands as a beacon of versatility and excellence, seamlessly integrating her roles as an opera singer, voice teacher, choral director, arts administrator, and student affairs practitioner with grace and passion.
As a mezzo-soprano, Cee occupies a fluid place as an operatic talent, capable of treading the beguiling and liminal space between the countertenor and mezzo-soprano, and her vocal versatility has been well showcased in roles as Oberon in Benjamin Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream, Giulio Cesare in Handel's Giulio Cesare, The Sorceress in Purcell's Dido and Aeneas, and tragic and comic roles from Mercedes in Carmen to Florence Pike in Albert Herring. Cee was requested to appear as a featured supernumerary in Glimmerglass Opera’s production of Philip Glass’s Orphée, and has recently appeared with Seattle Opera’s Creation Lab, helping to inspire new operatic works.
As a choral educator, Dr. Adamson serves as a visionary choral director whose leadership has transformed vocal ensembles into beacons of musical excellence. Cee is known for her meticulous attention to vocal technique and ensemble precision, and for her ability to cultivate a deep emotional connection within her choirs, resulting in authentic performances that resonate with audiences and performers alike. Cee serves as the Executive and Artistic Director of STANCE: Seattle Trans and Nonbinary Choral Ensemble.
Cee’s talents go far beyond performing on stage. As an arts administrator, she is crucial behind the scenes, holding key roles in production, stage management, finance, development, and operations. Her diverse skills and leadership help ensure smooth productions and promote inclusive, meaningful interactions with artists, patrons, and partner organizations.
Her roles in higher education and student affairs have given her a platform to inspire and mentor aspiring musicians, instilling in them a passion for the arts and a commitment to excellence that resonates throughout their careers. Cee advocates for arts education, leads innovative programs, and fosters collaborations within the arts community. She is dedicated to the transformative power of music, enriching lives for generations. Throughout her journey, Cee has remained steadfast in her commitment to using music to uplift, inspire, and unite. Her contributions to classical music as a performer and mentor demonstrate her commitment to artistic excellence and her belief in the transformative potential of the arts.
Cee earned the Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Vocal Performance and Choral Conducting from the University of Washington, where she studied with Dr. Carrie Shaw (voice) and Geoffrey Boers and Giselle Wyers (conducting). Before attending the University of Washington, Cee studied at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama (UK), where she earned a Master of Music and a Master of Performance degree and was designated a Guildhall Artist. Her other education includes coursework towards the MBA in Leadership & Legal Studies from Northern Kentucky University, the Advanced Artist Diploma and Master of Music from Shenandoah Conservatory at Shenandoah University, and undergraduate degrees in music, theatre arts, accounting, and management from Franklin Pierce University.
STANCE
As Executive Director and Artistic Director of the STANCE, I lead Seattle’s first and only choir created by and for transgender and nonbinary singers. STANCE was founded as a space intentionally free of gendered vocal expectations, where singers of all skill levels can explore their voices safely, with curiosity, and joy. In this role, I shape the ensemble’s artistic direction, guide organizational strategy, and cultivate partnerships that allow our work to grow sustainably while remaining rooted in care, access, and community.
Artistically, I curate and direct repertoire that reflects the lived experiences, complexity, and resilience of trans and nonbinary communities. My work with STANCE centers collaboration, experimentation, and musical rigor, creating performances that encourage audiences to listen more deeply and connect more profoundly. Through rehearsals, concerts, and public appearances, I strive to build an ensemble culture where artistry and affirmation coexist—where music becomes both a practice and a form of collective presence.
A recent highlight of this work was STANCE’s performance on KING FM’s Northwest Focus Live, as part of the feature on the Greater Seattle Choral Consortium’s Seattle Sings concert series, which brought our voices to listeners across the region through broadcast and digital platforms. Performing in this space marked a meaningful moment of visibility, situating trans and nonbinary singers within Seattle’s broader choral tradition while also expanding what that tradition can hold. Sharing STANCE’s sound on public radio affirmed our commitment to musical excellence and representation, offering a resonant example of how inclusive artistic spaces can shape the cultural landscape.
More information on STANCE is available here.