Mr. Potvin’s teaches the centuries’ old method of voice training which is based on the natural development of the voice. Everything is done to help the student produce comfortable singing, with a rich and full tone without ever forcing or pushing.
Stéphane has earned a Bachelor of music in piano performance, a Bachelor of education, and a Masters’ in conducting. He received his vocal training from Louise Yard and Carol Bagott-Forte. He has been teaching voice, piano, and conducting for over thirty years. Under Mr Potvin’s tutelage, students develop both a rich and full tone and increased self-confidence.
Mr. Potvin is equally comfortable teaching students of any age, from beginners to advanced people. Lessons are one on one, with a duration of 30 to 60 minutes. Lessons take place at St James Anglican Church on Monday afternoons.

Contact Information: info@voicebuilder.ca, www.voicebuilder.ca

Testimonials
After three years of work with Stephane, my voice production has greatly improved, and my vocal range has expanded by nearly an octave. Stéphane’s encouragement and honest approach regarding my progress or lack thereof has kept me interested and wanting to continue my studies under his guidance.
— Bruce Morrow

Stéphane’s methods were a bit unusual I thought, certainly different from former teachers I had studied with. However, after almost three years of study with him I have found that my vocal range has increased & amp; my knowledge of voice production has greatly improved. He has extensive knowledge about voice production & amp; is able to impart this knowledge to his students effectively. In conclusion, I feel he is an excellent voice teacher & I feel privileged to be studying with him.
— Mary-Lou Montgrain

Stephane Potvin has transformed my voice in just two years. As a lifelong choral singer, I used
to squeak out a high G; now I can easily pull out a high B flat! On a choir tour this year, singers
around me were clearing their throats or coughing from vocal fatigue; I had no issues
whatsoever and kept singing healthily with ease. I owe all this to Stephane!
— Lianne Tan, Oakville (Music Director, West Plains United Church)

I find Mr. Potvin to be a willing, committed, and patient teacher. His own passionate dedication to his craftand willingness to share his knowledge and experience helped me achieve very consistent competence.This did indeed enable me lead the choir to feel confident to do many well-received performances during the eight years I was co-conductor.
— Sue Crowe Connolly

My musical journey with Stephane began July 2021. Looking back, I can see a well laid out plan to achieve the “next step” on the path. I have been singing in my church choir for the last 6 years and my newfound voice and range has garnered very encouraging comments from both the minister and music director.
— Steve Burford

Dini Westman has been a music educator for 25 years. Her vast choral experience include the Toronto Children’s Chorus, Toronto Mendelssohn Youth Choir, Tafelmusik Choir, Deer Park United Church, and Opera in Concert. Dini studied choral conducting at the University of Toronto and mentored with Jean Ashworth Bartle obtaining a BA in voice, education. She is a passionate and knowledgeable educator who has earned an impressive reputation in the musical community in Canada.

In 2017, Westman started the Stratford Youth Singers. A children’s choir of 30 members. In 2019 it expands to a junior choir (ages 6-9) and a main choir (ages 10-17) and select singers for a chamber choir.

The SYS is committed to the enrichment of children’s lives through the discipline, teamwork and unique camaraderie of fine choral singing. The unparalleled music education and life-changing opportunities to perform exceptional music in many venues help to promote the personal welfare, growth and a portfolio of life skills that prepare children to become effective citizens:

• Excellence and quality treble choir through continuous learning, improvement, and personal growth
• Providing unique musical and educational opportunities to children and youth, offering life enhancing experiences through the study and performance of the choral art 
• Performing the finest repertoire and championing Canadian works and new commissions 
• Performing and recording in Canada and internationally
• Creating a respectful and collaborative environment that supports the well being of children and families
• Fostering a love and appreciation of music in our local, national, and world communities

For any information on voice or choral education please contact Dini Westman at:

• website: www.stratfordyouthsingers.ca
• personal email: thewestmans@yahoo.ca
• cell phone: (519) 274-9522

Take time to establish a framework that acknowledges the student of who they are and then create a mindful process that inspires each student to begin to take ownership of what they are creating and how they express themselves on this adventure of music and life.  No matter what happens, whether you soar or stumble, everyone is worthy to be who they are.  You are Awesome!  Thank you for being YOU! 

Mr. Paul looks forward to the privilege of connecting and creating a unique musical experience with each student/family.  You are invited to check out one of my websites: regalmonster.com (AKA Calming the Practice Monster!)

Short Biography

Paul Coates holds ARCT diplomas in both piano and voice as well as a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music from the University of Western Ontario. He also studied at the Chautauqua Institute and the Banff School of Fine Arts. He was privileged to perform for Elisabeth Schwarzkopf in London England and has attended master classes with Gwendolyn Koldofsky, Elly Ameling and Rudolph Jansen.

Since his graduation he has enjoyed an active and varied performing career as both singer and accompanist, including solo concerts, chamber music, appearances with orchestras, CBC and TV Ontario broadcasts.

Paul has been a faculty member of the School of Music of Windsor and the Royal Conservatory of Music where he taught in both the Community School and the Glenn Gould Professional School.

Currently he maintains a private studio in Stratford. He is also active as an adjudicator and a clinician for ORMTA and is excited about his new series of talk for any organization on “FINDING A KINDER WAY – to BE who YOU ARE!”

The importance of being mindfully present in the now while celebrating the whole student. You are AWESOME just because you are. Not because of what you do or do not do! Your imagination is your limitation in life. You should have no limits when it comes to your imagination. However there is value in having a process that Acknowledges and Inspires you to dream, to reach for the Stars, to “Find A Kind Way to Be, To Be Who You Are!”

Mr. Coates has examined for RCM & CC has been travelling across Canada presenting a workshop for teachers, parents and students entitled: “Calming the Practice Monster” (www.monsterworkshops.com).

NEW: “The Studio Monster Experience” – Practice Tips & Tools for Everyday Practice! Contact Regal Monster Productions if interested in booking a TICKATI-TACKATI-Talk!

Paul Coates’ Contact Information:

• currently accepting online students
• email: regalmonsterproductions@gmail.com 
• website: regalmonster.com