Building vocal talent in southern Alberta through collaboration

Young singers with big vocal ambitions are finding support — and a stage — at the University of Lethbridge Music Conservatory and the Faculty of Fine Arts.

The Share Your Voice! workshop, led by professional voice instructors in the Music Conservatory and the Department of Music, delivers personalized, private lessons and performance classes to budding singers in southern Alberta.

Held for the first time this summer, Share Your Voice! emerged after a group of voice teachers got together to discuss how to build vocal camps that appeal to the interests of young singers.

“We built upon the experience of a successful Masterclass that we gave earlier in the year, where we offered a chance for students to have some vocal coaching and then record a song in Studio One,” says music professor Dr. Janet Youngdahl.

“Once we recognized that so many students were interested in musical theatre singing, it was a logical combination to offer a short program that combined those two loves.”

Share Your Voice! welcomes and encourages all styles of singing — from classical to musical theatre and contemporary singing. This summer, the workshop had students performing their own compositions, songs from cutting-edge musical productions, Disney charmers, French art songs and beloved musical theatre tunes. 

As a bonus, students had an opportunity to perform in staged ensemble pieces and record their work in ULethbridge’s world-class Studio One recording studio, leaving the workshop with their own recordings.

“Students often begin studying singing later than other instruments. A skilled teenage singer might never have had a voice lesson. Our program allows students to get a taste of vocal study in a performance and recording context, working with other singers their own age,” says Janet. 

The unique program blends instruction from faculty in the Music Department and the Conservatory. Since several Music Conservatory teachers are alums of ULethbridge’s Music program, they’re able to share their knowledge and expertise and create bridges to young performers in the community.

Share Your Voice! is one example of this collaboration — another is the Lethbridge Piano Intensive, where community members of all ages can engage in focused piano workshops and work intimately with expert musicians from the Conservatory and Music Department.

For Janet, seeing the success of this year’s workshop affirms her desire to continue creating vocal workshops for the community.

“Many of the families who participated this year have asked us if siblings, neighbours and friends can join next year. Yes! We are planning on a week-long program next year with expanded opportunities for staged ensemble pieces featuring everyone in the program. We plan on keeping up the welcoming, supportive and encouraging environment that allows every singer to shine!”

Vocal students in the community will have more chances to enhance their skills through a series of vocal events hosted by the Faculty of Fine Arts over the next year, including workshops on stage movement, singing in Italian and music festival preparation. 

Learn more about our upcoming workshops and training opportunities.