Troy began as a singer-songwriter, producing music and appearing in poetry slams in Tulsa during the early 2000’s. In 2004 he began studying music theory and in 2006, he began formal theory training. Soon after, he shifted focus from theory and production to opera and classical voice. For over a decade he studied, tutored, and performed classically, culminating in the awarding to the degrees of Bachelor of Music (B.M.), and Master of Music with Honors (M.M.) in Vocal Performance—both from The University of Central Oklahoma.
Past operatic roles include “Sherriff of Richmond” in Flowtow’s Martha, “Donkey” in Henry Mollicone’s Starbird, “Belcore” in Donizetti’s, L’Elisir D’Amore, as well as “Sarastro” and “Sprecher,” in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte.
Troy has also been a featured soloist in other oratorio including Faure’s Requiem, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, and Haydn’s Creation. In February of 2019, he was the baritone soloist for the oratorio Dear Mrs. Parks in collaboration with the Ambassador’s Choir.
While studying classically, Troy was not outside of the realm of jazz, soul, dance and blues. In 2013, he was a featured soloist on composer Michael Colgrass’s recording of Zululand and in the Duke Ellington Sacred Masterworks concert at Mitchell Hall Theater. He sang second bass in The University of Central Oklahoma’s Chamber Singers and was a regularly featured soloist during their jazz performances until the spring of 2017.
In October of 2018, Troy recorded the pop/jazz song Headache, which was released on Spotify, TIDAL and Apple Music the following month. He followed it up with the release of “Where Are You” in April of 2019.
In October of 2018, Troy signed on to make his film debut in the upcoming 1984 Studios production of Dessert Island (yes, that’s how it’s spelled). Currently in production and slated for release in 2021, it will co-star Troy along with John & Aaron Souders, hosts of the Tower Theatre podcast We Apologize for the Inconvenience. Troy is also the vocalist to the soundtrack of the studio’s 2019 release Ending of Day, directed by Mat Miller.
In December 2020, Troy made his Painted Sky Opera Debut as King Balthazar in Gian-Carlo Menotti's "Amahl and the Night Visitors."
Troy continues to privately teach students of piano, voice, and music theory while running a publishing company as a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).
Troy Small
2020
Amahl and the Night Visitors
King Balthazar
Painted Sky Opera
2018
Martha
Sheriff of Richmond
University of Central Oklahoma Opera
2017
Starbird
Donkey/Mule
University of Central Oklahoma Opera
2017
The Tender Land
Grandpa Moss
University of Central Oklahoma Opera
2016
Serse (Xerxes)
Ariodate
University of Central Oklahoma Opera
2015
Amelia Goes to the Ball
Chief of Police
University of Central Oklahoma Opera
2014
Die Zauberflöte
Sarastro
American Singers’ Opera Project
2014
Die Zauberflöte
Sprecher
American Singers’ Opera Project
2014
L’elisir d’amore
Belcore
University of Central Oklahoma Opera
2012
Trial by Jury
Foreman
University of Central Oklahoma Opera
Master of Music (MM): Vocal Performance: Awarded May 2018
Bachelor of Music (BM): Vocal Performance : Awarded May 2015