These are just a sampling of some of the success stories we've had in the studio, three of many. As we keep building this section of the website, more stories will appear here!
Former student & Arts Canterbury Vocal Program graduate Meaghan LaGarandeur has been making quite a name for herself! In the May 2018 Brighton edition of BIMM Magazine (UK), Fanny Hill-Scott wrote:
"Meg LaGrande always seems to have an angelic smile on her lips – and certainly has a voice from the heavens. Now resident in Ireland, having grown up in Canada, her career covers everything from busking on the streets of Dublin to touring the world as part of some of the biggest Celtic shows on the circuit. She’s also an increasingly confident songwriter, with plans to release original material later this year".
She can be found in videos on YouTube & on Instagram & Facebook!
People who frequently attend Musical Theatre performances around Ottawa will be familiar with Michelle's work, as she has appeared locally with Orpheus Musical Theatre Society, Carleton Musical Theatre Society [CMTS], University of Ottawa's Musical Theatre Society, The Dundas Players, & other organizations. Sports fans may recognize her from national anthem performances at every major venue & for every major sports team in Ottawa, as well as Carleton University sporting events (& commencements!). Michelle is a 2018 graduate of the Carleton University Honors Bachelor of Music program, where she studied with David.
Michelle joins Orpheus again in September 2018 as the female lead in their production of this Jason Robert Brown musical. a role she performed in May 2018 with The Dundas Players. She has just also recently obtained management - congrats, Michelle!
A finalist for the 2016 Open Musical Theatre trophy, in 2017 Michelle won both that trophy and the trophy for "Outstanding Performance on Trophy Night", advancing to the OMFA Provincial Festival & placing in both years.
Nadia is a studio alumna whom critics have praised for her “creamy voice” (New York Times) and acclaimed “world class… her demanding lines dazzling” (Buffalo News).
She has performed major operatic roles including the title role in Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor, Violetta (La Traviata), Micaëla (Carmen), Rosina (The Barber of Seville), and the First Lady (The Magic Flute), In February 2017 she gave a stunning performance in the world première of the Gisle Kverndokk opera "Upon This Handful Of Earth" in New York City, as part of a wonderful cast. She can be heard in recordings on YouTube, including at the link below.
Nadia began her vocal studies with David during high school & continued with him through the Bachelor of Music program at Carleton, after which she received a major grant that allowed her to complete her Master of Music degree at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music (NYC).
During her student days, Nadia competed very successfully in the festival, advancing to the OMFA Provincial Festival three years in a row & winning there twice, and advancing to the FCMF National Festival in 2009, where she placed 3rd - the highest placement of any Ottawa singer in recent memory! Nadia was recipient of many awards & scholarships, including the single largest award ever given through the festival.
We have placed many students in specialized performance programs at all levels, both in Canada & the US. As an Associate Performance Instructor in Voice at Carleton University, David has worked with students who have come from Ottawa & all over, and has a strong success rate in placing graduates who wish to further advance their training into advanced study programs (Masters and/or Professional Training).
Aside from Carleton, a partial list of schools & programs includes: The Manhattan School of Music & Mannes School (New York, USA), McGill University, University of Toronto, University of Western Ontario, The Glenn Gould School, Sheridan College, University of British Colombia, Wilfrid Laurier, Queens University, and the American Musical and Dramatic Academy [AMDA] (New York & Los Angeles, USA); advanced training programs including the International Vocal Arts Institute, La lingua della lirica (Italy), Jennifer Rowley's Aria Bootcamp, Caramoor Festival, Banff Centre for the Performing Arts, and the Centre for Opera Studies in Italy [COSI]; and David regularly teaches students enrolled in Ottawa performing arts magnet schools Canterbury High School & Ecole de la Salle, and St. Peter Catholic High School.
Students regularly take part in competitions & festivals ranging from local to international, from the Ottawa Kiwanis Music Festival & le Festival Musique-jeunesses (province of Québec) to the OMFA Provincial & FCMF National Music Festivals to the Metropolitan Opera Auditions, and have won numerous awards, honors and scholarships along the way..
Studio members of all ages can be found singing with both secular & sacred choirs throughout the region, including as section leads (a number of university & adult students have served as paid section leads in churches & places of worship around the region).
We encourage students to participate in community theatre groups & performances of all kinds, appropriate to their skill level, and many do!
