Barbara Shirvis
Style: Opera; Classical; Musical Theatre
Title: voice teacher
Bio: Drawing upon three decades of experience as a professional singer, and extensive study and workshops, I teach functional, evidence-based and classical (bel canto) singing technique, concentrating on musical theatre and classical styles. This approach ensures healthy and safe singing, increased vocal power, stamina, range and agility, and facilitates expression and interpretation, in any genre. In addition, I teach the fundamentals of professionalism such as preparation, presentation and what is expected of singers by conductors, directors, coaches and other music professionals. My extensive knowledge of the classical and musical theatre vocal repertoire benefits my students in the areas of repertoire selection, diction in English and foreign languages, and performance practices. I also offer my students guidance in a systematic approach to efficient practicing for maximum and rapid improvement, I produce two recitals per year and monthly studio classes with a professional pianist as valuable performance experience in a nurturing setting. I am a Nationally Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and a Certified Positive Intelligence Mental Fitness Coach and am the creator of Well Canto - Mental Fitness for Singers (trademark pending). PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS: OPERA ROLES: Butterfly, Desdemona, Tosca, Manon Lescaut, La Contessa, Rosalinde, Mimi, Fiordiligi, Nedda, Alice Ford, Liu, Tatyana, Donna Elvira, Micaela, Pamina, etc. CONCERTS(soloist): Beethoven 9, Verdi Requiem, Britten War Requiem, Mahler Symphonies 2 and 4, Barber Knoxville, Summer of 1915, Strauss Vier Letzte Lieder, Haydn Creation, Brahms Requiem, Handel Messiah, Poulenc Gloria, Mozart Requiem, etc. COMPANIES AND ORCHESTRAS: New York City Opera, Minnesota Orchestra, Jacksonville Symphony, Hawaii Opera Theatre, Aspen Music Festival, New Jersey Symphony, Knoxville Opera, Boston Landmarks Orchestra, Syracuse Opera, Florentine Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, North Carolina Symphony, Chautauqua Opera, New Jersey Opera Theatre, Toledo Opera, West Virginia Symphony, Florida Orchestra, etc. Various recitals, cabarets, master classes, etc. AWARDS: ARTIST OF THE YEAR Syracuse Opera, 1999 FIVE YEAR CAREER STUDY GRANT Sullivan Foundation, 1996 PERFORMANCE AWARD Liederkranz Foundation, 1993 WEILL RECITAL WINNER Artists International, 1990
Voice Type: Soprano
Music Styles Taught: Opera; Classical; Musical Theatre
Availability: I am currently accepting private students; I am available as a clinician or presenter
