My philosophy of
teaching is to find the natural balance of each individual: that balance
where the voice functions easily, with strength but without tension, and
at its most beautiful. As a teacher, my goal is to truly listen: to
empathize with students in the creation of their sound and to coach them
toward their best, vocally, without imposing a superficial “technique” on
them.
I take an
individually tailored, holistic approach to each student. I believe I
should teach my students autonomy. My aim is to teach them how to think
independently. They should learn to think critically and understand the
general principles of healthy voice function; learn how their individual
instrument functions at its best; and know how their voice may function
differently from others. Without these skills, one cannot successfully
make the transition from student to professional.
Professor
Brenda Holleman
Brenda Holleman received her bachelor’s of music at
Illinois State University and her master’s in music from the University of
Illinois, Urbana.
She has performed regionally with companies such as
Minnesota Opera and Opera Theatre of St. Louis, working with directors
such as Frank Corsaro and Colin Graham and conductors including Nicholas
McGegan and Henry Lewis. Her operatic repertoire includes Composer
(Ariadne auf Naxos), Dorabella (Cosi Fan Tutte), Cherubino
(Le Nozze di Figaro), and Siebel. (Faust).
From 1992-2001, Professor Holleman
taught at the Sydney Conservatorium, University of Sydney, where she acted
as head of Vocal Studies and Opera. Her students have won major
competitions in Australia and abroad, including the Met Auditions, the
Mathy Award ($25,000), The Sun-Herald Aria ($30,000), and the Joan
Sutherland Vocal Award. Her students have successful careers in opera and
music theater, and include artists with Opera Australia, Sydney Theater
Company, Theatre of the Imagination, and
OzOpera.
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