VocalCoach.ca

“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. Without you, this would not have been possible!
You are Simply Amazing in every respect!!!!”
Desiree Corso, Singer/Songwriter

INTRODUCTION VIDEO CLICK HERE

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 and individuality, would be to develop it herself.  So she did………..

Learning is experiential, being guided, using specific rhythms and music patterns along with the most current medically proven principals to maximize vocal technique in a way it cannot do otherwise, resulting in the voice reaching greater potential.

When Donna coaches a vocalist to develop their instrument “voice tones” and “styling” is used allowing the singer to explore greater vocal dimensions. Some people overlook that and simply imitate singers or styles, which never develops the voice properly and diminishes the authentic characteristics of their voice.  Often they receive voice information not relevant to their specific voice gifting.  This results in confusion about how to sing which does not produce results, only frustration.  Donna clears up all the confusion and gets the singer on the fast track to getting the richness of the voice they know they have inside.

Her education in vocal technique and vocal health is extensive.  You learn how to use your voice properly, which builds strength and allows your distinct qualities to shine through, and is a member of SOCAN.

**Donna developed a Speaking Voice & Performance Program for business professionals, public speakers and teaches transgender voice transition (voice feminization / voice masculinization).

LEADING EDGE ADVANTAGE - Be on the Forefront of Voice Development using Medically Proven Principles and Advancements:

1.  TRANSGENDER VOICE AND COMMUNICATION TRAINING - SPEECH-LANGUAGE & AUDIOLOGY CANADA - 2016

• Meta Therapy, Assessment, Pitch Training, Resonance and Intonation, Speech and Language Training, Nonverbal Communication, Working with Transgender Men, Working with Transgender Women, Working with Adolescents and their Guardians, Skill Acquisition, Maintenance and Carryover, Before and After, and Challenging Cases.

2.  OPTIMIZING TECHNIQUE 2015 EVIDENCE AND SCIENTIFIC UPDATES - Vocalizing with Ease:  Provincial Voice Care Resource Program, supported by the Division of Otolaryngology, University of British Columbia and BC Provincial Health Services.

3. CLIENT-CENTERED MANAGEMENT FOR ADULTS FOCUSED ON ASSESSMENT AND TECHNIQUES - Current Evidence for the Contributions of ALERT Components 2014:

• Comprehensive Assessment and Management of voice care for professional and occupational voice users, voice disorders, psychopathology of voice disorders, muscle misuse, pitch change, and the irritable larynx.
  • Client-centered approach to assessment examines the four fundamental areas of voice function since they may contribute, in varying degrees, to causing or perpetuating symptoms that culminate in laryngeal dysfunction, recognizing the nature of interactions among four key factors.
  • Potential interactions with primary or secondary anatomical features such as injuries, diseases, lifestyle, reflux, and aging processes.
  • Management Procedures – Prioritize diagnostic and treatment process.
• Techniques used in individual and group programs.
• Clinical example selections of treatment priorities for specific anatomical and muscle misuse factors.

Vancouver General Hospital Pacific Voice Clinic, multidisciplinary clinic ALERT model as it relates to the voice and larynx.

4. I am grateful for all the mentors and doctors who have contributed to this particularly the University of Pittsburgh Voice Center - The Voice Group, Contemporary Voice Care, and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center whose distinctive course offering on the singing voice significantly enhances my role as a Vocal Coach and Singing Voice Specialist.  This journey into higher learning of the voice began in 2006 and continues today. Topics learned include but not limited to are:

• Laryngeal Stroboscopy
• Transnasal Esophagoscopy
• Functional Endoscopic Evaluations of Swallowing
• Phono Microsurgery
• Laryngeal Framework Surgery
• Vocal Fold Injection
• Contemporary Voice Therapy

5.  Strain/Hoarseness, Vocal Nodes, and Voice Burnout: My training through the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the University of Pittsburgh Voice Group means I can work directly with doctors to help you overcome voice problems faster and help singers relearn how to sing so a re-injury, which is common, does not occur.  Because vocal technique is stopped immediately when strain and other voice concerns begin, medically safe voice work is introduced to rehabilitate the voice and keep the singer from digressing too far.  Often, singers are not sure if they have vocal nodes but that can all be determined during a regular vocal lesson.

6.  WHOLE BRAIN LEARNING - Educational Kinesiology Certification: Educational Kinesiology helps students leverage their training and tap into more of their potential through the balance between the technical and creative mind.  It helps with memory retention and recall, and is used to speed up learning.

•  This whole brain learning method is used in over 90 countries and translated in to over 50 languages for companies such as Reebok, Chapters-Indigo, Ralph Lauren Footwear, Berklee School of Music, York University, McMaster University, University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto Teachers Education Program, Toronto Public Health, Centre for Early Learning – Exceptional Children Unit, City of Toronto – City Hall, The National Ballet of Canada, Royal Ontario Museum, Ontario Massage Therapy Association, York University, Canadian Montessori Teacher Education Institute, Peel District School Board, Providence Learning Centres, Georgian College, Toronto District School Board, London Catholic District School Board, Adidas Group, Ontario Science Centre, to name a few. In Toronto it is practiced in a number of Montessori and private schools.

7. Additional Training:  My personal voice training background has exposed me to all aspects of the human voice and all music genres.  I have trained privately through the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, and have extensive training in several Singing methods.

A Little About Me:

I assist in many audition processes for vocalists for EMI Records, Canadian Idol, award winning producers and the Hummingbird Centre to name just a few.  I have worked with vocalists from Sony/Curve and EMI Records preparing for recording, performing and touring.

My work has been published in the book “The Perfect Rehearsal” written by Dr. Timothy Seelig, PhD from the USA in his book entitled “The Perfect Rehearsal” in the chapter “Vocal Health in Rehearsal”.   I am the only Canadian voice expert asked to contribute to his book so I am very appreciative to have been included in a book written by a man of his stature and musical accomplishments.  In addition, I have had my writings and articles published over 240 times worldwide.     

I have facilitated Voice Clinics at the Mohawk College – Careers in Music Conference, Corporate Public Speaking Conferences, and facilitated training sessions for artists with stage fright, and anxiety issues.

My personal voice training background has exposed me to all aspects of the human voice and all music genres.  I have trained privately through the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, have extensive training in Speech Singing and have continued my education through medical programs offered by universities/hospitals in both Canada and the USA for voice function and the health of their voices, for the most current techniques available today.

Special Thanks Go To:

University of Pittsburgh Voice Center — Contemporary Voice Care Program and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center:  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.  Your insights into the physiology and capability of the human voice catapulted my coaching content far beyond what I could have ever imagined.  I will always be grateful for what this has allowed me to accomplish for myself and for what it has given my students.

Vancouver General Hospital Pacific Voice Clinic - Linda Rammage, PhD, RSLP, S-LP(C)

Other Interesting Projects:

• Had her work included in the book “The Perfect Rehearsal”:  Dr. Timothy Seelig, Ph.D from the USA included her work in his latest book entitled “The Perfect Rehearsal” in his chapter “Vocal Health in Rehearsal”.  Dr. Seelig consulted with some of the finest conductors in the United States.  Donna is honored to be the only Canadian among this esteemed group of music experts. Facilitated a voice clinic at the Mohawk College Careers in Music Conference / Hamilton Music Awards
• Facilitated a Creative Voice Clinic at Winterfolk VIII Music Festival
• Co-Master of Ceremonies at the Voices for a Cure Canadian Cancer Society Benefit Concert held at the Opera House.
• Member of the Canadian Idol Outreach Team.
• Facilitates voice training for those who experience performance fear, anxiety issues and other learning challenges using Educational Kinesiology and music patterns/rhythms.
• Facilitated a “Find Your Voice” workshop for a leadership training conference
• Judge for the TIMA (Toronto Independent Music Awards).
• Judge for the Winterfolk Music Festival live auditions.
• Judge for the SASS (School Alliance of Student Songwriters) Song Competition on World Piece.
• Appeared on LiquidLunch with Hugh Reilly with thatchannel.com.
• University of Toronto - Interviewed on CIUT 89.5 FM Live with Nik Beat "The Howl" www.ciut.fm
• CNIB - “A Whole New Light” Documentary:  It was an honor to be filmed as part of a documentary about the life of Vivian Chong  who became blind five years ago after a medical emergency.  A portion of her vocal training was included in the documentary about her life.

While Donna is a full-time Vocal Coach, she started her career as a vocalist and continues to sing for charity and special events.  Some are:

• 
• Performed at The Toronto Fringe Festival.
• Performed at the Winterfolk VIII Music Festival.
• Performed at the Pickering Rotary Rib Fest Fund Raiser.
• Performed for patients and guests at Sunnybrook Hospital and for patience in the palliative care unit of St. Michael’s Hospital.