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Bio |
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After moving to Toronto from Montreal, Donna began a journey of vocal training that connected her with coaches in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Nashville as well as the Royal Conservatory in Toronto.
Although she found it beneficial, no one was able to offer a method that allowed her to progress to the level she felt she was capable of reaching. Repertoire work consisted of taking a piece of music and learning it phrase-by-phrase – identical to the original piece. She felt more like an impersonator then a singer.
It was clear that the only way she would find training that would bring out her full voice, would be to develop it herself. So she did………..
Her training method is a complete mind / body / spirit / voice technique designed to develop your best voice. The voice that is unique to you. She combines specific rhythms and music patterns along with exercises designed to build proper breath control while strengthening the entire vocal range, allowing the voice to reach its greatest potential.
She passes that knowledge on to others interested in developing their distinct sound.
Donna is a member of SOCAN.
Special thanks go to:
Seth Riggs: I was fortunate to have received training from both Bill Vincent and Seth Riggs. The Speech Level Singing (SLS) principles they taught me have greatly enhanced my effectiveness as a Vocal Coach.
Robert L. Weer: Mr. Weer paved the way for all contemporary artists to receive relevant training separate from classical curriculum. I am fortunate to have worked with his method.
Louise Lambert: Louise has been a significant teacher and mentor to me. 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.
Testimonials and other Fun Comments
“Couldn't have asked for a better, more friendly, more encouraging, more humorous vocal coach! You are the Charles Darwin of Vocal Training. You observe and map out the evolution of your students inner voices. I can see great improvements in myself. Without you, this would not have been possible! You are Simply Amazing in every respect!!!!” Desiree Corso – Songwriter – (Toronto)
“Donna is Amazing and Fun to Work With!! With her help and expertise my breathing capacity has been greatly enhanced. Now, when I facilitate seminars, I don’t run out of breath while speaking. Her knowledge in the field of voice and specialized techniques taught me how the diaphragm works and how to properly utilize it. By practicing these techniques I can control my breath while speaking for long intervals. I strongly recommend Donna to anyone who wants to improve their public speaking techniques.”
“Your Vocal Assessment is the best thing I have ever done for my voice. I sing Rock & Roll and need something to give me the power and control over my voice, particularly with my accent. I was confused by all the music theatre and classical methods out there. You know exactly what my voice needs as a contemporary artist.”
“I am thrilled with the progress I have made and in such a short time! The two years of lessons I took before coming to you left me discouraged as my voice did not improve after a lot of time and effort. You were able to zero in on all my trouble stops and knew exactly what to do to fix them. I can’t thank you enough.”
“I finally understand what I am doing. I had always been asked to do scales without really knowing what they were for or how they affected my singing. You changed all that. I now have a clear idea of what works best for me and why. Thank you for putting an end to the confusion.”
“I tried all the shortcuts and put off learning proper vocal technique. When my career did not progress the way I wanted it to and when I started to have problems with my voice I asked you for help. You turned my voice around. I am finally getting noticed. What can be better then that!”
“The Vocal Assessment gave me the opportunity to really learn about what my voice was and was not doing properly. It gave me a much broader understanding of my capabilities on a mental, physical, creative and technical level. Seeing the full picture really boosted my confidence and gave me the insight I need to get rid of my problem areas”
“With my limited budget I had been taking lessons that were doing more harm then good. You helped me work on a homework plan that keeps me focused on my goals in spite of the sporadic lessons I am able to take. I can really hear the difference. So can others. Thank you for your encouragement and support.”
“Your experiential teaching style took me out of the rut I was in. I had stopped progressing a long time ago. As my coach you stretched my thinking and challenged me until I broke through the wall I had hit. I can now sing songs I had never been able to before.”
“Donna helped me to go from my little voice to a big and powerful voice. I use her warm-up exercises every time before I go on stage to do my performance poetry - they bring out my voice. It's a very powerful place to come from when you're baring your soul on stage.”
“I think you and your voice are beautiful. As a recreational musician, I had never focused on vocals until I heard you sing. A deep, clear, strong, resonant sound that is jazzy and versatile. So loud but with total control. I have never heard anything like it. I love it.” Craig A. — (Toronto)
“Your explanation as to how vibrato is developed is the most logical one I have been given. I need a bit more help. Your CD will do the trick.” Robert S. – Musician – (New York USA)
“I appreciate having your CD. Yours is the best one I have ever used. It is a treasure as I have moved out of the country and I will not be able to take lessons for a while. Thank you so much!” Rubin R. – (California USA)
“I love the sound of her voice - she's great!” Joe C. – Hobby Musician – (Toronto)
“Wow! That girl can sing!!” Sean – Song-writer / Musician – (Toronto)
“Outstanding vocals!” Steve – Song-writer – (Toronto)
Tel: 416-436-8063 donnavocalcoach@yahoo.ca Location: Hwy 401 & Leslie |
