Fine Arts Shining Alumna Tina Alexander-Luna (BMus '10)

With an impressive background in education and performance and a strong desire to foster talent in young artists, Fine Arts alumna Dr. Tina Alexander-Luna (BMus '10) enjoys sharing her expertise with students, teachers and performers. Now a voice professor herself, Tina reflects on her ULethbridge journey and the mentorship she received as a young artist.

Meet Tina. Resourceful. Open. Energetic.

What inspires your creative practice?

Currently, my kids are a huge inspiration to my creative practice. They see beauty and excitement in everything around them, and this allows me to continue to bring playfulness and creativity into my singing practice and performance work.

I’m also inspired by my students, and the work of Canadian singers and artists—our country has some incredible talent, and I’m continually encouraged with hope for the future for young singers in Canada!

Why is it important to support arts communities and foster talent for future generations?

Creativity is in all of us and is a vital part of the human experience. Supporting arts communities and fostering talent young means you have interest and investment in the arts in the future. I also think that tied to this is the importance of community building through the arts, and that music and arts often draw people together, heal and connect.

Why did you choose to pursue fine arts at the University of Lethbridge?

I chose ULethbridge for its reputation in the province for excellence in music education and performance. Additionally, class sizes were small enough that I really got to know my peers and professors. I was also drawn to the amazing faculty members with a wealth of knowledge and experience to offer to students. Choosing ULethbridge was an easy choice.

What was your most memorable ULethbridge experience?

I had many wonderful experiences during my time at ULethbridge. As a student, my highlights would be singing with the U of L Singers and performing as part of the Opera Workshop course. These two fields of performance have been a huge part of my life and career post-graduation, and I’m so thankful for the time in these courses.

I should also say that a highlight was my weekly voice lessons with Dr. Janet Youngdahl. Her knowledge of how the voice works, but also her ability to care for and teach the whole person was just what I needed during that time in my life, and this has helped me be a more empathetic educator.

What has your post-graduate journey looked like? How has your degree continued your professional and personal growth?

Since my time at ULethbridge I have competed a master’s degree (University of Ottawa), an Advanced Certificate in Performance and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice Performance (University of Toronto). I have continued performing professionally and have held several faculty teaching positions and I am currently Assistant Professor of Voice at the University of Regina.

Earning my degree from ULethbridge helped set me up for all of my future academic and performance pursuits and it equipped me with the tools that I needed to succeed. I look back on my time at the University with gratitude for having such a wonderful and safe space to learn, grow and try things as a young artist.

What is a recent career highlight?

A recent highlight for me is returning to ULethbridge to give a lecture/recital at the Music At Noon concert series—it’s so special to return to such a beautiful hall with meaningful memories! Additionally, I will be presenting a lecture/recital on the song repertoire of Canadian composer Violet Archer at the International Congress of Voice Teachers (ICVT) in Toronto later this year, so I’m very excited about that!

I should also say that I’m thrilled to have recently accepted the position as Assistant Professor of Voice at the University of Regina. It's a fantastic institution and it’s really a gift to work with such creative and innovative colleagues and teach such wonderful students everyday.

What piece of advice would you give to students?

Keep doing things that spark JOY! This is something I wish I could have told my younger self when I was hesitant or second-guessing life choices. My journey into studying music at the post-secondary level happened because I loved to sing, and wanted to learn more, and that continued exploration and fun has directly led to the career that I have today. Take chances and enjoy the process!