VOCAL ACADEMY

Each student will participate in two (2) hours of individual one-on-one instruction. During the sessions, students work with the teacher and/or vocal coach, focusing on breath control, vocal placement, and resonance to achieve the power and clarity required for operatic singing. The instructors may also cover repertoire selection, diction in multiple languages (such as Italian, French, or German), and dramatic interpretation to bring the character and emotion of the piece to life.

Each student will participate in six (6) hours of group instruction. Led by a vocal coach or teacher, the session focuses on core elements such as breath control, vocal projection, and diction, while encouraging students to listen and harmonize with one another. Participants typically explore opera scenes, ensembles, and duets, honing their ability to blend voices, express character, and communicate dramatic intent as a group.

All students will participate in this two (2) hour session. Text and character class focuses on helping performers deeply connect with the written word and the characters they portray in opera, musical theatre, or dramatic works. In this class, students learn to analyze and interpret the text of librettos or scripts, exploring the nuances of language, subtext, and emotion behind each line.

An engaging, educational event where our vocal instructors work with selected participants in front of an audience. Each participant performs a piece, whether an aria or scene, and receives real-time feedback and personalized instruction from the expert.

Participating in two (2) free public performances held on the banks of the Avon River aboard Stratford Summer Music's MusicBarge offers students a unique and exciting opportunity to showcase their skills. These performances provide valuable real-world experience, allowing students to perform in front of a live audience in a picturesque outdoor setting.

Closing out Stratford Summer Music's 25th Anniversary Summer Season will be a lively "open-mic" style event at The Starlight. This relaxed, celebratory gathering gives students the chance to perform in a casual, supportive setting and mingle with audiences, fellow musicians, and arts lovers. The event provides an informal platform for students to showcase their talents, experiment with new material, and enjoy the camaraderie of the music community. 

INSTRUCTOR

Kimberly Barber is Professor of voice at Laurier’s Faculty of Music since 2002 and shares her knowledge of the performing arts industry with the students of Opera Laurier. She teaches Body Mapping for Musicians and co-authored the unique MMus C3 program, which fosters collaboration among innovative musicians. As Associate Dean, External Relations, Partnerships, and Graduate Studies, Kimberly builds international and community partnerships to create opportunities for students. 

With a Bachelor of Music and Opera Diploma from the University of Toronto, Kimberly has performed internationally in cities such as Paris, New York, and Tokyo. She recently performed the lead role in the Canadian premiere of Heggie’s Three Decembers for Winnipeg’s Little Opera Company. Kimberly is passionate about mentoring students and emerging artists, helping them grow artistically and personally through various workshops, clinics and young artist programs. 

INSTRUCTOR

Kate Carver is a Toronto based Vocal Coach, Collaborative Pianist, Music Director and Conductor, strongly dedicated to working alongside students and young artists in discovery, growth, and play.

Kate currently holds a position as Music Director/Conductor of Opera Laurier at Wilfrid Laurier University. She is on the Music Staff at the University of Toronto’s Opera Division where she has been for over twenty years. Kate has also worked with the Canadian Opera Company, Toronto Operetta Theatre, Opera in Concert, Summer Opera Lyric Theatre, The Fountain School of Performing Arts/Dalhousie University, the voice program at the Chautauqua Institute in Chautauqua, New York, the University of Montreal, Essential Opera, Maritime Concert Opera, Longreach Opera Workshop, Opera by Request, among others.

Kate received her Bachelor and Masters degrees in Music from McGill University, studied in England at The Guildhall School of Music & Drama, the Britten-Pears School, and The National Opera Studio, and was an Apprentice Repetiteur with Broomhill Opera in Kent, and with the Canadian Opera Company.