About me and my approach to singing lessons
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My name is Mairi-Irene and I love music, singing and teaching. In fact, nothing brings me greater joy than helping others discover their voices and learn to express themselves through singing. Whether you are a complete beginner just starting out or an advanced singer looking for technical help, I look forward to being a part of your musical journey!
My Teaching
- I teach classical vocal techniques with a focus on breath support and body engagement.
- I am positive, patient, energetic and flexible in my approach - I love to try new teaching techniques and tools in the studio!
- I provide specific, concrete steps to help my students reach their unique goals.
- I like to work with students who are goal-oriented, hard-working, and committed to regular practice.
- I provide opportunities for my students to perform in studio/group classes and recitals and prepare for music festivals and Royal Conservatory of Music exams.
- Piano was my first instrument and I frequently incorporate piano skills into voice lessons for young beginners.
- As a sessional instructor, I have taught voice at the University of Alberta and am currently a member of the faculty of Concordia University of Edmonton.
- I am a member of NATS (the National Association of Teachers of Singing) and ARMTA (Alberta Registered Music Teachers' Association) - I constantly work to improve my skills and knowledge as a teacher.
- I was recently the Voice and Classroom Music adjudicator at the Barrhead Rotary Music Festival and will be adjudicating at the Leduc Rotary Music Festival in April 2022. I welcome more opportunities to adjudicate and teach masterclasses!
- I have two teaching assistants, aka cats, named Tama and Felix - they frequently join me in the studio!
My Singing
- I have been singing all of my life and, since I grew up in Cape Breton, NS, my earliest singing experiences were in folk music.
- I perform frequently throughout Edmonton as a classical soloist and was a member of Edmonton Opera's Emerging Artists Studio during the 2020-2021 season.
- I hold a Bachelors of Music and a Masters of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Alberta and a Performer Diploma from Indiana University.
- I have pursued performance and training opportunities throughout Canada as well as Austria and Italy.
- Alongside my classical singing, I enjoy playing pop and folk music (usually accompanying myself on the piano.)
- I often collaborate with my husband who is a drummer - yes... our house is one of the loudest in the neighbourhood!
- You can find out more about my singing career and see me in action on my professional website.