Past BSR Workshops

2024

A calm room with a white piano
Somerville Music Spaces, Somerville, MA

Practice performing in a friendly, low-stakes environment! Whether you're looking for more experience singing in front of people, a chance to try out a piece with a pianist, an opportunity to become familiar with more vocal repertoire, or a fun way to connect with the local singing community, this is the place for you. Singers of all ages and levels are welcome and encouraged to sign up. We can't wait to make some music together, no matter where you are in your singing journey!

 

Register to attend!

Chelsea Basler is featured with a friendly smile on the left, with information about the masterclass depicted on a burgundy background.
Dramatic Aria Preparation for Auditions
Somerville Music Spaces, Somerville, MA

Click here to purchase tickets!

Join Boston Singers' Resource for an exciting afternoon with American soprano superstar, Chelsea Basler, as she shares her impressive experience successfully auditioning for opera companies across the country and assists seven BSR member singers in polishing up their arias for audition season! She looks forward to focusing in particular on dramatic interpretation and helping your characters leap out of the score and come to life in front of our eyes!

Two voice specialists are pictured, with a friendly smile welcome you to this workshop all about vocal health!
with Tufts Medicine Voice Care
Tufts Medical Center ENT Department, Boston, MA

Join BSR and Tufts Medicine Voice Care for a helpful information session all about vocal health for singers!

Dr. Ashley O'Connell Ferster, laryngologist, and Caroline Murrah, voice-specialized speech pathologist, are excited to chat with the BSR community about ways to keep our voices in tip-top shape! There will be a chance to ask any questions at the end.

Our workshop will be held at Tufts Medical Center on Tuesday, October 8, from 5:00-6:30 , and space is limited, so please register today! Admission is COMPLETELY FREE!

 

The typically calm room with the white piano
Practice performing in a friendly environment!
Somerville Music Spaces, Somerville, MA

Practice performing in a friendly, low-stakes environment! Whether you're looking for more experience singing in front of people, a chance to try out a piece with a pianist, an opportunity to become familiar with more vocal repertoire, or a fun way to connect with the local singing community, this is the place for you. Singers of all ages and levels are welcome and encouraged to sign up. We can't wait to make some music together, no matter where you are in your singing journey!

Register to attend!

Martha Eason is ready to answer your questions about singing abroad!
with Martha Eason, soprano
Somerville Music Spaces, Somerville, MA

Join Boston Singers' Resource for an important career workshop with the amazing soprano and career coach, Martha Eason! 

REGISTER TODAY

After nearly a decade working as a fest artist in Germany, Martha is coming to Boston to share her experience and advice for you if you are interested in looking into pursuing singing work abroad! 

Topics may include the following:

Dana Varga appears with a green background, and information about the upcoming financial workshop Finances for Singers
Rock your budget and live your best singer life!
Somerville Music Spaces, Somerville, MA

Join Boston Singers' Resource for an incredible financial workshop with the one and only Dr. Dana Lynne Varga! 

We know it's tough out there right now, and can be particularly difficult for singers to navigate their financial health and stability while pursuing their careers. Dana's popular workshop has helped many singers with budgeting and other money matters, and she's excited to bring her ideas to the BSR community!

A calm room with a white piano, ready for you to sing!
Practice performing in a friendly enviroment!
Somerville Music Spaces, Somerville, MA

Practice performing in a friendly, low-stakes environment! Whether you're looking for more experience singing in front of people, a chance to try out a piece with a pianist, an opportunity to become familiar with more vocal repertoire, or a fun way to connect with the local singing community, this is the place for you. Singers of all ages and levels are welcome and encouraged to sign up. We can't wait to make some music together, no matter where you are in your singing journey!

A calm room with a white piano
Practice performing in a friendly, low-stakes environment!
Somerville Music Spaces, Somerville, MA

Practice performing in a friendly, low-stakes environment! Whether you're looking for more experience singing in front of people, a chance to try out a piece with a pianist, an opportunity to become familiar with more vocal repertoire, or a fun way to connect with the local singing community, this is the place for you. Singers of all ages and levels are welcome and encouraged to sign up. We can't wait to make some music together, no matter where you are in your singing journey!

A white piano in an inviting, calm room
Practice performing in a friendly, low-stakes environment!
Boston Lyric Opera Fort Point Lyric Room, Boston, MA

Practice performing in a friendly, low-stakes environment! Whether you're looking for more experience singing in front of people, a chance to try out a piece with a pianist, an opportunity to become familiar with more vocal repertoire, or a fun way to connect with the local singing community, this is the place for you. Singers of all ages and levels are welcome and encouraged to sign up. We can't wait to make some music together, no matter where you are in your singing journey!

Register to attend!

An image of three Black composers with Nina Evelyn Anderson shown above
Presented by Nina Evelyn Anderson
Brookline Public Library Hunneman Hall, Brookline, MA

Join Opera on Tap Boston and Boston Singers' Resource for a workshop introducing the extensive world of vocal music from the African Diaspora celebrating the legacy of Black composers who played a pivotal role in shaping classical vocal music.

Nina Evelyn, soprano and P.S.C. candidate at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee, will lead the session, offering an overview of the historic contributions of Black composers to the classical vocal realm and resources for discovering and programing this rich repertoire.

A portrait of Matthew Aucoin next to information about his masterclass
Somerville Music Spaces, Somerville, MA

Join Boston Singers' Resource for an exciting vocal masterclass with pre-eminent composer, conductor, writer, and vocal coach Matthew Aucoin! 

Matthew is looking forward to working with you on whatever classical vocal music you would like to polish, whether it is from the standard repertoire or something more contemporary. If selected, you will receive a twenty minute slot to sing for us and work with Matthew on musical interpretation. It is 100% free to participate, and a pianist will be provided. You must be a current BSR member to participate.

2023

The typically calm room with the white piano is filled with holiday decorations from many different cultures
Let's celebrate the end of the year with some singing!
Somerville Music Spaces, Somerville, MA

Join Boston Singers' Resource for another No Stress Studio, but this time with some good, old fashioned holiday spirit!

The first half will run like any of our other No Stress Studio events, with time for singers to get up and perform anything they like for a crowd of friends! Our fabulous board members are also planning to join in and sing some selections for us. We'll cap it off with some holiday refreshments and a group sing at the end!

Attendance is free, with a suggested donation of $15.

A singer in a red dress performing on stage
with BSR and MassOpera
Somerville Music Spaces, Somerville, MA

Join MassOpera and Boston Singers' Resource on Saturday, Nov 18, for our Mock Audition Day. There is no better way to practice the essential art of auditioning than with some real, hands-on experience! We will have local industry professionals there to offer you written feedback, and a pianist will be provided.

November 18 | 1 PM to 4 PM
Somerville Music Spaces

1060 Broadway Suite C101B

Somerville, MA 02144

A picture of Bill Cutter with information about the workshop listed to the side
A Choral Workshop with Bill Cutter
First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington, MA, Arlington, MA

 

Join Boston Singers' Resource for another fun and informative choral workshop with MIT's former Director of Choral Programs, Bill Cutter: The Do's and Don'ts of Choral Auditioning. 

 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

 

BSR is so thrilled to have Bill back with us again, this time will be focusing on everything that can make or break your choral auditions - everything from ear training and sight-singing to audition etiquette! 

 

A soothing room with a white piano waiting for your performance!
Practice performing in a friendly, low-stakes environment!
Mystic Side Opera, Malden, MA

Practice performing in a friendly, low-stakes environment! Whether you're looking for more experience singing in front of people, a chance to try out a piece with a pianist, an opportunity to become familiar with more vocal repertoire, or a fun way to connect with the local singing community, this is the place for you. Singers of all ages and levels are welcome and encouraged to sign up. We can't wait to make some music together, no matter where you are in your singing journey!

Register to attend!

Renee Tatum is featured alongside information about the Recital and Master Class
Join us for a musical weekend with Renée - July 28 Recital and July 29 Master Class
Somerville Music Spaces, Somerville, MA

Join Boston Singers' Resource for an incredible weekend of singing with American mezzo-soprano, Renée Tatum!

First, on Friday, July 28, at 7:30pm, come attend a beautiful recital of some of Renée's favorite music from the classical repertoire, in collaboration with pianist Brendon Shapiro. It will be a healing evening of gorgeous singing and artistry to inspire and uplift our community. 

Adrienne Boris Headshot pictured next to text explaining her workshop, Seeking Representation
The Agent/Singer Relationship and the Business of Classical Singing
Chase Young Gallery, Boston, MA

Join Boston Singers' Resource for an important career workshop with the incredible Adrienne Boris! 

Adrienne is returning to Boston to be real with you all about that tricky yet essential subject for all singers looking to pursue a professional career: Artist Management. 

REGISTER HERE

Topics may include the following:

A soothing room with a white piano waiting for your performance!
Practice performing in a friendly, low-stakes environment!
Boston Lyric Opera Fort Point Lyric Room, Boston, MA

Practice performing in a friendly, low-stakes environment! Whether you're looking for more experience singing in front of people, a chance to try out a piece with a pianist, an opportunity to become familiar with more vocal repertoire, or a fun way to connect with the local singing community, this is the place for you. Singers of all ages and levels are welcome and encouraged to sign up. We can't wait to make some music together, no matter where you are in your singing journey!

Graphic for "No-Stress Studio" with a white piano in a calm room with blue walls and a wooden floor.
Practice performing in a friendly, low-stakes environment!
Boston Lyric Opera Fort Point Lyric Room, Boston, MA

Practice performing in a friendly, low-stakes environment! Whether you're looking for more experience singing in front of people, a chance to try out a piece with a pianist, an opportunity to become familiar with more vocal repertoire, or a fun way to connect with the local singing community, this is the place for you. Singers of all ages and levels are welcome and encouraged to sign up. We can't wait to make some music together, no matter where you are in your singing journey!

vocal kinesthetics
Functional Applied Neuroscience for Performers
Boston Synagogue, Boston, MA

Improve your posture, strength, breathing, coordination, visual skills, balance, strength and performance anxiety with a certified neuro-centric voice trainer, Kimberly Moller! 

The workshop is free, with a suggested donation of $5. 

To attend, please fill out the Registration Form HERE

 

More about Kimberly:

Alexander Technique with Katie Beckvold - a picture of Katie Beckvold above a bright red holiday bow and the BSR logo at the bottom
Start the new year off right and feel more comfortable in your own body!
Old West Church , Boston, MA

Come join Boston Singers' Resource as we kick off the New Year with an Alexander Technique Workshop, led by one of our very own members, and certified AT instructor, Katie Beckvold!

Rediscover freedom in your body as Katie gives us an introduction to the technique, helps us to understand habitual patterns of tension in the body, and demonstrates the practice with hands-on examples. Whether you have experience with Alexander Technique or you're brand new, you are more than welcome to attend!

Graphic for "No-Stress Studio" with a white piano in a calm room with blue walls and a wooden floor.
Practice performing in a friendly, low-stakes environment!
Boston Lyric Opera Midway Artist Studios, Boston, MA

Practice performing in a friendly, low-stakes environment! Whether you're looking for more experience singing in front of people, a chance to try out a piece with a pianist, an opportunity to become familiar with more vocal repertoire, or a fun way to connect with the local singing community, this is the place for you. Singers of all ages and levels are welcome and encouraged to sign up. We can't wait to make some music together, no matter where you are in your singing journey!

2022

Graphic for "Save your Voice"
A Financial Workshop with Wes Hunter

Can someone on a singer's salary actually save for retirement? How can we, as musicians, make our money work as hard as we do on our craft?

Join Boston Singers' Resource on Saturday, Nov 12th at 4:00pm for a Financial Workshop on Zoom with Wes Hunter, a Financial Representative from The Bulfinch Group. As a singer himself, Wes understands the unique challenges of making ends meet while pursuing a singing career, and looks forward to discussing how to optimize and protect your cashflow and answering your questions! 

Sandra Piques Eddy Master Class
Get ready for audition season with guidance from a local legend!
Chase Young Gallery, Boston, MA

Auditions coming up? Fear not, for world-class mezzo-soprano Sandra Piques Eddy is here to help!

Apply by August 31 for a 20-minute slot with Sandy. A pianist will be provided by BSR, and the master class will be free and open to the public. We'll see you there!

 

DanaVarga
A Workshop with Dana Varga

We all probably thought Covid-19 would be gone in 2 weeks. Wishful thinking! BSR has coordinated a workshop with Founder of The Empowered Musician, Dana Varga in navigating a career throughout a pandemic. Please join us in hearing Dana's professional advice, tips & tools on how to proceed with your career. 

Sign up here

Chris&Steph1

Join us January 14th 2022 at 7:00 PM for a collaboration with The Musical Athlete, a concept created to help Vocalists and Instrumentalists achieve their full musical and athletic potential. This workshop is designed to discuss the Vocal Fitness of a Singer which includes; Breathe better to perform better , Fitness for Musicians and Mentorship. Tune in for our collaboration with Chris & Stephanie. Join us here

2021

Cynthia&Zuly

Tuesday, December 14th at 7:30pm EDT BSR is hosting a presentation by Cynthia López Pérez & Zuly Inirio from Latina Women in Opera. This panel will dive into the complexities of Latinx Representation in Opera as well as history.

Join us for the panel here

 

JL is standing in front of a fancy neon background!
Fast Forward is BACK!
Pop star and composer JL Marlor shares her story of creativity with Boston Singers' Resource. Now available on YouTube!
Holistic Workshop
Please join us September 30th 7pm for a workshop geared towards the health of a singer.
Choirs Come Back images
A panel with James Liu, Meyer Chambers, Lisa Graham and Mark Mummert
Many singers and ensembles are planning to get back to rehearsing and performing in the fall. Are you curious to hear what others are doing, and to learn more about the latest science regarding safe singing?  BSR hosted a Zoom discussion of these topics on July 22 at 6:30 pm, featuring James C.S. Liu, Meyer Chambers, Lisa Graham & Mark Mummert.
Tatum
Navigating Wellness : Black Singers in Colonialist Spaces

Thursday, June 3 at 7pm EDT BSR hosted a presentation by Tatum Robertson. Navigating Wellness : Black Singers in Colonialist Spaces explores mental health and wellness for Black singers in classical music. 

Image of Melanie Bacaling on a couch

Fast Forward with Melanie Bacaling this May! We're talking equity, ethics and conduct in the rehearsal room, and her experiences working onstage and behind the scenes.

Zoom links will be available to those who preregister.

Register https://forms.gle/PZorxb999sG7qbTj7

Can't wait to see you there!

--Kristen Buabin

Lori Laitman
Conversation with Lori Laitman

Lori Laitman joined BSR on April 26 at 6:00 pm for a conversation as part of the BSR Composers' Lab, pairing singers and composers to create new works. 

Rose and Felicia
Exploring techniques for modern and contemporary music, and adjacent issues

Join BSR and community members for a virtual workshop exploring extended vocal techniques for new music, performing within cultural contexts, and working with living composers. Rose Hegele and Felicia Chen will present a workshop and discussion on these topics with the opportunity to try out some new techniques on your own!

Registration Form

Registration Form Link: https://forms.gle/ELxdpQkDXLZHJHb56

 

2020

BSR Member Social image, with snowflake design, december fifteenth, six pm, Let's celebrate together!
Celebrating togetherness and December holidays!
Boston Singers' Resource

Are you a current BSR member? Are you interested in becoming a member? Boston Singers' Resource invites you to join us for a virtual party via Zoom for all BSR members and those interested in joining the BSR member community!

As we approach the end of the year, we at Boston Singers' Resource would like to show our appreciation to our dedicated members through a virtual gathering for BSR members. We are planning a FUN and FESTIVE gathering that includes live performances, raffle drawings, special recipes for delicious food and cocktails, and even a sing-along!

Renee Tatum Headshot
with Renée Tatum
Circumstances have prompted changes in the creative community, and some might be here to stay. Internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Renée Tatum will share what she has learned about virtual audition repertoire and submissions, giving (and taking) online voice lessons, and using personal recordings to analyze your work and grow as a performer.
Sight-Singing 2019 group photo
with Dr. William Cutter
Dr. Bill Cutter and BSR present two workshops for singers.
Table for More
Making Room in the Singing Arts

Boston Singers' Resource is partnering with NATS Boston and Greater Boston Choral Consortium to co-host "Table for More": A 4-part Interactive Webinar Series, presented by G. Phillip Shoultz, III of VocalEssence (Minneapolis).

Dan Ryan
with Maestro Daniel P. Ryan

Do you have an idea for a great digital project but need some tips for getting it off the ground? Are you not sure which programs are the best to learn more about? Join Daniel P. Ryan for a casual "happy hour" overview of best practices and approaches that will help you share your work with the world!

August 11, 7:00 pm: (be) Happy (with your digital music endeavors) Hour

With Maestro Daniel P. Ryan behind the bar serving technology tips and tricks. (B.Y.O.B) 

Barbara Quintiliani
with Barbara Quintiliani

Happy Hour Chat 7.8
with Sydney Mukasa, Celeste L. Pellegrino and Marcus Schenck

Our final Happy Hour Chat of the summer will feature some of Boston's newest arts leaders. 

Sydney Mukasa, Artistic Coordinator at BLO, incoming graduate student in choral conducting at Yale

Celeste L. Pellegrino,  Boston-based Soprano, voice teacher, and co-founder of Due Donne Productions. 

Marcus Schenck, Bass-Baritone; Executive + Artistic Director/Co-Founder of Promenade Opera Project; Voice Teacher

Happy Hour Chat 6.4
with Amelia LeClair, Kevin Leong and Eric Christopher Perry

Join BSR for our next happy hour chat. Our June chat will feature leaders from choral ensembles, with an emphasis on professional choral singers and soloists. 

Amanda Sindel-Keswick yoga workshop
A yoga workshop with Amanda Sindel-Keswick

The last few months of online lessons, non-stop Zooming, adjusting to masks, and quadrupling our hand-washing have put many of us (literally) in weird positions. Teacher Amanda Sindel-Keswick will lead a yoga practice to help singers reconnect with their bodies and find balance. 

Participants will work with breath (pranayama), sound, and movement to connect with and strengthen their bodies.  This will be a physically active practice, taught progressively. All bodies are welcome. Participants should have a pillow or folded up towel or blanket handy.

Happy Hour Chat 5.14
with Adrienne Boris, Kathryn McKellar and Daniel P. Ryan

Join BSR for our next happy hour chat. This time we are joined by three local artists with a wide range of experience in classical music and opera:

Adrienne Boris: Director, dramatic coach, Exec. Producer at Lowell House Opera 

Kathryn McKellar: Soprano; Founder and Co-Director of Opera on Tap Boston

Daniel P. Ryan: Conductor, Composer, Singer; Co-Artistic Director of MassOpera

Beckvold workshop
an Alexander Technique workshop with Katie Beckvold

BSR welcomes certified Alexander Technique teacher Katie Beckvold for a 90-minute online workshop Saturday, May 9 from 10:00-11:30

During this Zoom class, we are able to discuss and learn how we can interact with ourselves and others, in this new world we are living in, whether it be in an online audition, an online class for school, an email exchange or a phone/video conference call. 

Alexander Technique has many benefits for singers (and others) including stress and tension reduction, simple and efficient communication, and regained control. 

Happy Hour Opera Chat
with Aliana de la Guardia, William Neely and Alexandra Dietrich

Pour yourself a glass of wine or a cup of tea and join BSR for a chat about opera in Boston during these uncertain times. We are joined by

Aliana de la Guardia, Co-Artistic Director and Ensemble at Guerilla Opera, New Music Soprano & Voice Teacher

William Neely, Executive Director of MassOpera

Alexandra Dietrich, Artistic Director of NEMPAC Opera Project, Stage Director, and Mezzo-Soprano

2019

Dana and Jeri at workshop
with Dana Varga
Epiphany Early Learning Center, Boston, MA
Dana Lynne Varga shared her insights on auditioning and gave helpful feedback to 9 singers who sang their audition repertoire in masterclass format. 
Sight-Singing 2019 group photo
with Dr. William Cutter
Epiphany Early Learning Center, Dorchester, MA
Dr. Bill Cutter returned with two packed workshops for singers.
Stephanie Mann singing at BSR Workshop
Damien Francoeur-Krzyzek, collaborative pianist
Epiphany Early Learning Center, Dorchester, MA
Tenor Matthew DiBattista shared some of his expertise in auditioning and vocal performance for BSR members.

2018

Contreras workshop photo

Nine singers refined their audition packages at a fall audition workshop,  held at the Epiphany School Early Learning Center in Dorchester. Patrice Tiedemann, soprano and artistic director of Seaglass Theater Company, and Damien Francouer-Krzyzek, accompanist and coach, will give feedback on mock auditions. All attendees were able to sing. $25/BSR member, $40/non-member.

 

Hailey Fuqua and James Dargan
a panel discussion at the Classical Singer Convention

As part of the 2018 Classical Singer Convention in Boston, BSR presented HUSTLE 101: How to turn your drive and your talent into a busy musical career

 

James Dargan and Hailey Fuqua shared how they maintain their full performance schedules. This panel discussion, moderated by BSR Executive Director Margaret Felice, included time for Q&A.

2017

Demystifying Websites
in collaboration with Greater Boston Choral Consortium

In collaboration with Greater Boston Choral Consortium. GBCC's Alex Speir and BSR's Margaret Felice walked attendees through the basics of web design principles, popular platforms, and best practices.

Workshop photo with Angela and Adrienne
For Singers

Adrienne Boris, stage director of opera and theater, audition/performance coach, and arts administrator, Angela Jajko, mezzo-soprano, audition coach, BSR Blog Editor, and arts administrator, Brendon Shapiro, pianist, vocal coach and conductor.

Kim Lamoreaux at Crossover workshop
In collaboration with Moonbox Productions. Classical singers discussed what it takes to be successful in musical theater with Allison Choat, Susan Chebookjian, and Angela Jajko.

2016

branding workshop image
in collaboration with Greater Boston Choral Consortium

GBCC and BSR led a conversation about branding for institutions and individual artists, featuring Jennifer Hughes, executive director of Cantata Singers, David Carrier, artistic director of Commonwealth Chorale, Sarah Spinella of BSR and Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Eric Christopher Perry of Renaissance Men.  The event was held at Holden Chapel, Harvard University. 

Virginia Bailey
with Angela Jajko and Phil Lauriat

Singers reviewed audition technique with Angela Jajko, Phil Lauriat and Brendon Shapiro at Brookline's Church of our Saviour.

CS workshop 2016
a panel discussion at the Classical Singer Convention

Many singers' careers include opera, oratorio, art song, orchestral concerts, and musical theatre. Ever wonder what it takes to “crossover” and market yourself as a versatile artist? Boston Singers’ Resource assembled a panel of some of Greater Boston’s busiest working artists to share their insights on that very question.

Thom Dawkins, pianist
with Elaine Crane, Angela Jajko, Phil Lauriat and Dana Varga

The afternoon included interactive session combining panel discussion and demonstration, master class coaching, and Q&A. Particpants learned what works and what doesn't work for different levels and genres, what matters to specific auditioners and companies, and what are best practices for achieving success on one of the many paths to a singing career.