Adrienne Aurswald was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and lived there with her parents until she entered the music program at Smith College in 1939. While at Smith, she lived in Jordan House and was a Junior Usher, a member of the Glee Club, and the Vocational Guidance Chairman.
Auerswald graduated in 1943 and moved to New York City to study with Quena Mario, the soprano for the Metropolitan Opera. There, she perfected her Italian vocal style. In 1951, Auerswald returned to Tulsa to perform with the Tulsa Opera and Tulsa Philharmonic Orchestra. She opened a voice studio which she ran until returning to Smith College to teach in 1957. In 1962, Auerswald earned her Master's degree and became a faculty member.
Auerswald continued to perform at Smith and in various local opera productions. She was the Dean of the Class of 1968, the chair of the Music Department twice, sat on the Development Council and the Alumnae Council. In 1984 she was named the Iva Dee Hiatt Professor of Music. In 1987, Auerswald retired to focus on her private voice studio. She died in Northampton, Massachusetts, in 2008.
From the guide to the Adrienne Auerswald Papers RG 42., 1936 - 1943, (Smith College Archives)
