Voice Area

Welcome to the Voice Area!

We are a vocal department that prides itself on our ability to give a great deal of focus and individual attention to our students. Our goal is to foster a close-knit and connected community of young singers who learn from and support one another while focusing on personal, dramatic, technical, musical, solo and ensemble vocal growth.

Area activities include recitals, master classes and lectures with world-class instructors and visiting artists, including such recent past guests as Michael McMahon (collaborative pianist/vocal coach, McGill University), Nathan Berg (baritone), Tracy Dahl (soprano and vocal instructor at the University of Manitoba), John Greer (composer, conductor, collaborative pianist, University of Kentucky), Norine Burgess (mezzo soprano), Ben Butterfield (tenor and University of Victoria Professor of Voice), John Hess (collaborative pianist/vocal coach, and Associate Professor of Piano, University of Western Ontario), Stuart Hamilton (vocal coach, Order of Canada), Stephen Ralls and Bruce Ubukata of the Aldeburgh Connection, Robin Phillips (repetiteur, Mannheim Opera), Nathalie Paulin (soprano and vocal instructor, University of Toronto), Russell Braun (baritone and Resident Operatic Performance Specialist, University of Toronto) and Carolyn Maule (collaborative pianist).

Ongoing/future guest lecturers include David Wilson (Yoga/Breath specialist), Marie Nycha (Dance/Movement specialist), Monica Whicher (soprano and teacher, Glenn Gould School, University of Toronto), Liz Upchurch (collaborative pianst/vocal coach, Canadian Opera Company), and Darryl Edwards (tenor and University of Toronto Professor of Voice).

We are extremely proud of our Department of Music Vocal Arts Week, in which we highlight the work of our students, faculty and guest artists during week-long public masterclasses and flash mob appearances around the University campus. The week's activities culminate in a public recital featuring our faculty and guest artists at Convocation Hall.

We are also extremely proud of our connection with the Franz Schubert Institute in Baden bei Wien, Austria, founded by the late Dr. Deen Larsen. Dr. Larsen was an adjunct professor at the U of A, and for many years we enjoyed his biannual visits, during which he shared his insight on the poetry and performance of the German Lied through lectures, coachings, and master classes. Our music students are fortunate to be the recipients of 3 full scholarships per year, to study at the Franz Schubert Institute with distinguished faculty, including such experts as Barbara Bonney, Elly Ameling, Julius Drake, and Helmut Deutsch.

• Faculty
• Degrees
• Ensembles