Montreal based voice teacher, internationally recognized performer and McGill graduate, helping students build a voice they would LOVE to share in classical, musical theatre, and pop genres.

Find out more about Catherine

• 1) When and why did you develop an interest in your chosen field?

  My love for singing started when I was in middle school and auditioned for the school musical. I was a very shy kid, so being given the opportunity to sing a solo was terrifying at first. Despite my stage fright, I ended up performing and it became something that I loved. Singing brought me out of my shell and I felt comfortable expressing myself in front of others. That feeling of empowerment and connection stayed with me and sparked a passion that has continued to grow ever since.
  
  My interest in voice pedagogy began when I started taking classical voice lessons at around 13 years old. Learning about the mechanics of the voice and how each person has their own unique way of connecting and approaching singing really intrigued me. My teacher would let me borrow her National association of teachers of singing (NATS) journals, where I read about teachers' experiences and the many ways they approached similar vocal challenges across different students. It was as much an art as it was a science, and that combination is what drew me to voice pedagogy and teaching.

• 2) What makes you passionate about your subject?

  What makes me passionate about singing and teaching voice is that the voice is so deeply connected to who we are. It is an instrument unlike any other because it is part of our bodies, making it incredibly personal. We use our voices every day to communicate our thoughts, needs, and emotions when we speak and converse. Singing takes that everyday expression and expands on it. Through dynamics, timbre, rhythm, articulation and pitch, the voice becomes so powerful that it allows us to communicate emotions and tell stories in ways words alone cannot. I'm passionate about helping develop that artistry in my students and discover the unique qualities of their own voices.

• 3) What do you like about tutoring? What makes you a "Superprof"?

  My favorite part of teaching is being present in the moment when a student is able to do something with their voice they weren’t able to do before. Because the voice is such a personal instrument, every breakthrough feels deeply connected to the student themselves. That moment of realizing, “Wow! My voice can make that beautiful and controlled sound. It’s powerful and expressive and uniquely mine!” It’s incredibly rewarding to be a part of their unique discoveries. It genuinely feels magical. I often tell my students, "Everything you need to sing the way you want is already inside you. We just have to set it free.”
  
  What makes me a “superprof” is nurturing that process of “setting the voice free.” I really strive to create a supportive, encouraging environment where students feel comfortable experimenting, making mistakes, trying new things, celebrating every breakthrough and developing better tools for singing.

• 4) Do you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you? Please explain.

  Looking back on my early years of singing, it's clear how important it is to have someone who believes in you and encourages you to believe in yourself. As I mentioned, I was a very shy kid, so having teachers who encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone made a really lasting impact. I was lucky to attend a school with a really passionate arts program. The teachers were always finding ways for us to immerse ourselves in the arts through festivals, competitions, productions, and workshops. Without those incredible teachers, as well as my private voice teacher who was heavily involved with NATS, I would never have had the opportunity to gain such valuable experiences that continue to shape me as an artist and educator today. I strive to give that same encouragement and those opportunities to my students when possible.

• 5) What are your keys to success?

  When it comes to singing, success really is about understanding yourself, trusting the process, and always evolving. I believe being in touch with how your voice makes you feel is the first step. If singing feels healthy, expressive, and fun, you’re on the right track. That being said, growth comes from being willing to experiment, step outside your comfort zone, and stay curious. Experimentation allows you to discover your voice’s limitations and its possibilities. Singing is best when it becomes a free and expressive creative force, and developing the tools and techniques to achieve that is one of the best ways to build a beautiful, authentic, and successful voice. Your voice should sound like you.