Classical voice instruction is offered for students interested in classical studies. Jazz voice instruction in available for students interested in jazz studies.
Classical voice
The classical voice program provides each singer with the tools needed for a lifetime of expressive singing. Technical study is balanced with intense work on language and interpretation; solo performance is balanced with ensemble performance; academic courses are balanced with performance-based courses. Working in a collaborative environment led by our outstanding vocal faculty, students are encouraged to become the well-rounded singers and teachers needed in today’s changing world.
Course offerings
Along with core academic courses in theory, history and basic skills, we offer the following performance courses:
- Diction-repertoire. Beginning in second year, this three-year cycle takes undergraduate students through a detailed approach to Italian, German, and French diction and repertoire. Post-baccalaureate and graduate students have a separate diction cycle covering English, French, German and Italian.
- Performance skills. For third and fourth year students, this course covers all the different aspects of performance, including presentation, programming, auditioning, resumes, business concerns and more.
- Vocal/instrumental collaboration. This class is open to those who want to explore vocal/instrumental collaboration and includes working with composers to prepare and present new works written for the class.
- Advanced opera studies. For master’s, post-baccalaureate and advanced undergraduate students, this program comprises Acting for Singers, which includes a dance/movement section, and operatic repertoire.
Learn more about advanced opera studies
- Role study. This is for master’s and post-baccalaureate students who want to study a complete role.
Lessons, coaching and masterclasses
Students receive 26 lessons each year (one hour per week). Those in third-year performance, fourth-year performance, post-baccalaureate and master’s programs have 1.5 hours of lessons each week. Vocal coaching is scheduled for all voice students on a bi-weekly basis. Interpretation coachings, focusing on text and physicality, are also a feature of our program.
Each singer sings once per term in a vocal masterclass. Clinicians for the masterclass include our own faculty along with guest instructors. Guest instructors have included Rachel Andrist, Judith Forst, Darryll Edwards, Christiane Riel, Mark Wilson, Nikki Einfeld, John Tessier, Deen Larsen, Robert Tweten and Theodore Baerg.
Performance opportunities
Singers at the Desautels Faculty of Music have countless solo-performing opportunities through their ensembles, performance classes, masterclasses, and recitals. Also available are numerous performing opportunities with the larger arts organizations found in Winnipeg’s vigorous arts community. These organizations include the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Manitoba Opera, Little Opera Company, Gilbert and Sullivan Society, Canzona, Winnipeg Singers, Camerata Nova and the Musical Offering.
Meet our classical voice faculty
Jazz voice
Our program is truly innovative, allowing students to take advantage of dedicated study at the undergraduate level leading to the Bachelor of Jazz Studies degree, and giving students opportunities to learn the language of jazz through ongoing collaborations with the leading musicians of the jazz world.
Lessons and masterclasses
Students receive 26 lessons each year (one hour per week). Those in third-year, fourth-year, post-baccalaureate and master’s programs have 1.5 hours of lessons each week. In addition, students attend weekly masterclasses where they perform for and alongside our own faculty and visiting artists such as trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, violinist Regina Carter, trumpet legends Clark Terry and Wynton Marsalis, and drummer Herlin Reily.
Meet our jazz voice faculty