Bio
As a Vocal Coach I am lucky to be involved with many interesting projects. I have helped with searches for vocalists for EMI Records, Canadian Idol, award winning producers and the Hummingbird Centre to name just a few. I have worked with vocalists from Sony/Curve and EMI Records preparing for recording, performing and touring.
When a vocalist develops their instrument “vocal” and “style” techniques are used allowing the voice to reach its greatest potential. Some people overlook that and simply imitate singers or styles, which never develops the voice or produces the unique qualities of their voice. Often they receive voice information not relevant to their specific voice needs. This results in confusion about how to sing which does not produce results, only frustration.
My work has been published in the book “The Perfect Rehearsal” written by Dr. Timothy Seelig, Ph.D from the USA in his latest book entitled “The Perfect Rehearsal” in his chapter “Vocal Health in Rehearsal”. I am the only Canadian voice expert asked to contribute to his book so I am very appreciative to have been included in a book written by a man of his stature and musical accomplishments.
I have facilitated Voice Clinics at the Mohawk College – Careers in Music Conference, Winterfolk Folk & Blues Festival, Corporate Public Speaking Conferences, has facilitated training sessions for artists with stage fright, ADD, ADHD and anxiety issues and has acted as judge for TIMA (Toronto Independent Music Awards).
I have trained privately through the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, have extensive training in Speech Level Singing and have attended the University of Pittsburgh’s Contemporary Voice Care Group training to help others maintain and rehabilitate the health of their voices. I also have my certification in Educational Kinesiology which speeds up the learning process and creates a balance between the technical and creative mind. Incorporating that balance while singing is important to bring out your best and full voice. I am a member of SOCAN.
Perhaps you want an occasional lesson to fine tune a few things or maybe take lessons regularly to learn all the fundamentals of voice. Regardless of your goals you need a Vocal Coach with the knowledge to develop your voice properly for life-long singing. I’m here to help. You can reach me at 416-436-8063.
Here is a breakdown of some of the projects I have worked on:
Other Interesting Projects She Has Worked On:
- Had her work included in the book “The Perfect Rehearsal”: Dr. Timothy Seelig, Ph.D from the USA included her work in his latest book entitled “The Perfect Rehearsal” in his chapter “Vocal Health in Rehearsal”. Dr. Seelig consulted with some of the finest conductors in the United States. Donna is honored to be the only Canadian among this esteemed group of music experts.
- She facilitated a voice clinic at the Mohawk College – Careers in Music Conference in December 2009
- Facilitated a Creative Voice Clinic at Winterfolk VIII Music Festival
- Co-Master of Ceremonies at the Voices for a Cure Canadian Cancer Society Benefit Concert held at the Opera House.
- Member of the Canadian Idol Outreach Team.
- Facilitates voice training for those with A.D.D., A.D.H.D., anxiety issues and other learning challenges using Educational Kinesiology and music patterns/rhythms.
- Facilitated a “Find Your Voice” workshop for a leadership training conference
- Judge for the TIMA (Toronto Independent Music Awards).
- Judge for the Winterfolk Music Festival live auditions.
- Judge for the SASS (School Alliance of Student Songwriters) Song Competition on World Piece.
- Appeared on LiquidLunch with Hugh Reilly with thatchannel.com. To view interview go to www.blip.tv/file/3349397/
- Interviewed on CIUT 89.5 FM Live with Nik Beat "The Howl" www.ciut.fm
While Donna is a full-time Vocal Coach, she started her career as a vocalist and continues to sing for charity and special events. Some are:
- Appeared on Breakfast Television.
- Sang at the National Ballet of Canada for Karen Kain, Rex Harrington along with all the company dancers, and staff for their annual holiday party.
- Sang the National Anthem at the Mohawk College – Careers in Music Conference (where she also facilitated a voice clinic).
- Performed at the Winterfolk VIII Music Festival
- Performed at The Toronto Fringe Festival.
- Performed at the Pickering Rotary Rib Fest Fund Raiser.
- Performed for patients and guests at Sunnybrook Hospital and for patience in the palliative care unit of St. Michael’s Hospital.
I can be reached at 416-436-8063.
Read testomonials from people Donna has worked with in the past here!
Special thanks go to:
Seth Riggs: I was fortunate to have received training from Bill Vincent, David Stroud and Seth Riggs. The Speech Level Singing (SLS) theory has enhanced my effectiveness when teaching the Speech Vocal Style.
Robert L. Weer: Mr. Weer paved the way for all contemporary artists to receive relevant training separate from classical curriculum. He expanded knowledge of how the voice is used so singers are able to sing any music genre they love. His principles are used by thousands of contemporary voice coaches and singers in the USA. I am happy to share his principles with vocalists I train.
Louise Lambert: Louise has been a significant teacher and mentor to me. Louise encouraged me to think of all aspects of voice. She constantly stretched me beyond the norm heard by other vocalists and encouraged me to be myself and express my own voice. I would not be the singer or teacher that I am today without her influence and generosity.
University of Pittsburgh Voice Center — Contemporary Voice Care Program: Proper vocal health and care is necessary for those rehabilitating their voice and those interested in singing without developing voice damage. Thank you goes to instructors Clark A. Rosen, MD FACS, C. Blake Simpson, MD, and Jackie Gartner-Schmidt, PhD for your training and ongoing support.
Credits:
James Oliver: A very special thank you goes to James Oliver for the development of my logo and web site. Your design skills and talent as a musician were the perfect combination to take a vision and turn it into something that expresses who I am as a Vocal Coach in ways that truly exceeded my expectation.
http://thesongtree.com
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