Stratford-born soprano Barbara Collier studied singing in London, Salzburg, Cologne and Budapest after graduating from Trinity College, University of Toronto.
She has been acclaimed internationally for her appearances with orchestras in Europe,
the United States and Canada. Her repertoire extends from the oratorios of Bach, Haydn and Mozart to the music of Richard Strauss, Villa-Lobos, Canteloube and Gilbert and Sullivan.

Barbara has performed the lyric operatic heroines of Mozart, Donizetti, Gounod, Verdi, Bizet and Puccini in North America and Europe. She was a member of the COC’s National Touring Company for five years as well as performing in the Toronto season. Opera companies with which she has sung include Vancouver Opera, Miami Opera, Pacific Opera, the National Arts Centre, Manitoba Opera, Saskatoon Opera and Opera in Concert.

A versatile performer, she has sung with the Toronto Symphony, Orchestra London, the Calgary Philharmonic, the Hamilton Philharmonic, the K-W Symphony, Toronto Philharmonia and the York Symphony and as soloist with the Stratford Concert Choir.

Solo and duet recitals played an important part in Barbara’s career. She has performed with Toronto Operetta Theatre to showcase the music of Ivor Novello and Victor Herbert. A most memorable concert was a celebration of the 50th anniversary of D-Day, held at Toronto’s St. Lawrence Centre. She was partnered with Mark Dubois, Mark Pedrotti and the late John Arpin.

Frequent radio and television appearances in Europe and Canada include CBC’s “Play Gypsy,” a special on the music of Imre Kalman, and an appearance with the legendary Tito Gobbi, filmed in Rome, as part of the Masters of the Performing Arts Series.

Barbara is in demand as a vocal adjudicator and clinician. She was the featured guest artist at a National Convention of Registered Music Teachers in Saskatoon, where she held a master class, gave a recital and a lecture. A member of NATS, Barbara now resides in Stratford, Ontario, where she operates a successful private voice studio.

Now that you know something about my performance history, I want to talk about my teaching career. Since moving to Stratford in 2005, I have been able to devote more time to my voice studio. I have helped many students to achieve a solid vocal technique, to learn a varied repertoire and to gain confidence in their ability of communicate with their voices.
Some have gone on to successful performance careers while others continue to participate in choirs or just sing for the joy it brings.

I do insist on teaching classical voice technique – proper breath and support management, good use of resonance, projection and a reasonable proficiency in languages such as Italian, German, French and Spanish as these languages help with lip flexibility and jaw relaxation, sometimes not too easily achieved by the way we speak North American English. My main focus is on classical repertoire but I do work with repertoire from musical theatre, folk songs and ballads, etc. I do not teach pop music.

Here are a few of the nice things former students have said about their experience in my studio:

“…I greatly appreciate all the work you’ve done to help me all these years, from picking repertoire to honing my technique to being a wonderful source of encouragement.” – C.H.

”…thank you for all you have taught me over the years. I have always enjoyed singing but after these lessons with you I have a passion for it. I cannot imagine having any type to life without it.” – M.B.

“…how you are careful to adapt your teaching style to the student and how you bring out the best in each…” – A.H.

“…thank you so much for everything over the years. I have always loved coming to singing lessons with you and I will miss you a lot next year.” – D.G.

“…thank you for a wonderful time of singing and voice training. You have taught me so many useful and great singing methods.” – E.H.

One of my strengths is choosing pieces that best reflect a student’s ability and personality. Although I expect my students to work hard, I do understand that singers are not machines and that things happen in life that sometimes get in the way of progress. Having had the experience of several decades as a performer, I am able to show compassion for how issues can affect one’s singing and I firmly believe that laughter is a great tonic and reliever of tension. My experiences on stage, with orchestra and chorus and on tour have given me a good perspective on what is required physically and emotionally to become a good, reliable singer.

It is preferable if students have basic musical knowledge, such as being able to read music. I teach all ages and can prepare candidates for conservatory exams up and including A.R.C.T., or equivalent. I also welcome adults who wish to improve their vocal skills as choir members or just for their own pleasure.

Location

My studio is in my home at 52 Murray Hill Road, Stratford, Ontario, N5A 7J8

Contact Information

• telephone: (519) 283-0429
• e-mail: bcollier@rogers.com