Originally from Long Island, New York, Dina Cancryn (soprano) teaches voice and vocal studies at MTSU. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree from The Eastman School of Music and a Master of Music degree from Indiana University School of Music.

Cancryn has served as Artist in Residence for the Banff Centre for the Arts in Banff, Canada where she performed several concerts of diverse repertoire. Her opera performances include the role of Susanna in Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro with Italy's Rome Opera Festival as well as various concert engagements. She has been a featured soloist with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra on performances of Mozart's Requiem, Handel's Messiah, and Poulenc's Gloria. Her opera credits include the title role in Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor with the Nashville Opera, Madame Goldentrill in Mozart's The Impresario, and Gilda in Verdi's Rigoletto with the Aspen Opera Theatre. She has worked under the batons of such conductors as Claudio Scimone, John Demain, and Lawrence Foster. Her compact disc recording entitled “Remembrance-African American Songs” received rave reviews from Judith Anne Still, daughter and owner of William Grant Still Music publishing company.

As author, producer, and cast member, Professor Cancryn created the film, PORTRAITS, The First Black American Divas of Song and Opera, based on her touring production from 2008-2016. It can be viewed annually as part of MTSU African-American History Month calendar of events. 

Currently, Professor Cancryn enjoys a full teaching schedule. She is committed to encouraging and helping students bring humanity and beauty into a world in need.