A well-known coach, accompanist and diction specialist, Mr. Lanier was a long-time collaborator with famed Metropolitan Opera basso Cesare Siepi. He received the degree Master of Music in Vocal Coaching and Accompanying under the instruction of Martin Katz at the University of Michigan. His professional affiliations include Houston Grand Opera, The Opera Company of Boston, Opera New England, Wolf Trap Opera Company, Texas Opera Theater, and the Atlanta Opera. Outside the opera house, his experience includes service on the faculties of the Houston Opera Studio and Rice University. Mr. Lanier is now principal coach for the Moores Opera Center at The University of Houston and teaches classes in art song repertoire and singing in French, German, Italian and English.