Vocal Coaching

Internationally acclaimed art song pianist and opera coach

“A Magnificent stage partner!
Valerie is a refined and sensitive musician with unparalleled curiosity. Working with Valerie is effortless, creative and inspiring! ”
— Hélène Brunet, soprano

"Sensitive." "Competent." "Definitely recommended." Richard Todd, Ottawa Citizen

"Sensitive." "Competent." "Definitely recommended." Richard Todd, Ottawa Citizen

Valerie has prepared young singers and professionals in roles for such companies as Opera NUOVA, Wiener Staatsoper, Seattle Opera and Houston Grand Opera. She has been employed by the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, the Grand Thèâtre de Genève, Thirteen Strings in Ottawa, Schlosstheater Schönbrunn in Vienna and the Conservatoire de musique de Genève.

A long time vocal coach for students at uOttawa, Valerie’s coached repertoire spans over 1000 works, including many complete operas. Having lived in the Czech Republic, Kazakhstan, Austria and French-speaking Switzerland, she has intimate knowledge of those cultures and extensive language and diction training.

Valerie has a deep and lasting connection to Lieder, having received a post-graduate diploma in Vocal Accompanying from the University of Vienna, and is an ardent supported of new art song and opera works as an Artist-in-Residence for East Chamber Music’s artsongLAB.

Most of all, she loves sharing her passion for musical storytelling with singers and audiences alike.

Joyce El-Khoury, soprano

“Valerie is a brilliant musician, a gem of a human and a professional of the highest order.”

Valerie has been my musical anchor when I'm home. A sensitive and gifted musician, she has helped me learn and prepare many new operatic roles of varying styles with accuracy, imagination and integrity. She is a brilliant musician, a gem of a human and a professional of the highest order.

Services

  • Are you looking for an experienced art song partner? If musical story-telling is your jam, I know that we will make a great team! I live for making music together with singers who are committed to artistic excellence.

    In-person rehearsals and collaboration most feasible in and around Ottawa, Winnipeg and Rome.

  • Are you looking for help with the Czech [ř]; struggling with the difference between Russian palatalized and non-palatalized consonants; or wanting to brush up on your basics in English, French, German or Italian diction? I can help!

    Available online via zoom, anywhere in the world! $100/hour

  • If you are getting ready for an opera role, an audition tour, or performances with orchestra, my vast experience in the repertoire as well as a thorough understanding of up-to-date performance practice can be indispensable resources for your performance preparation toolkit.

    Listening is my superskill! I listen, so you can focus on your technique and interpretation.

    Available for booking online and in-person in Ottawa, Winnipeg and Rome. $100/hour

“Working with Valerie is like a breath of fresh air!

When Valerie and I began working together, I was rebuilding all of my technique and I was exhausted. I was embarking on entirely new territory – it felt like I was moving to a different country!  Valerie’s support is meticulous, precise and yet open-minded, respecting both the music itself and the tenacity I need to move down this uncharted path.”

Francesca Giarini Dalhen, soprano, stage director and artistic director of des Musiciens de l’Atelier

For my complete Vocal Repertoire List (warning: it’s 40 pages!) click here: