Student Testimonials

Finding your Individual Voice
Student Testimonials


"Learning from someone who is knowledgeable, and a singer (especially a mezzo) is like trying to get as much info as possible. I wanted to be a sponge soaking everything up. It was good to have the constructive criticism [of peers during the audition portion] since one normally wouldn’t hear from the jury. Also, the more opportunity to sing in front of people, the better. All the exercises in general were helpful. It has helped me become aware of how much I need to learn and to develop - and that I can use these exercises to improve my skills."

Andrea L., U of T Opera Division, March 2001



"On so many levels you were able to associate with our major fears, and our barriers in performance auditions. You have found tools that lead you around obstacles, and are sharing them with us. The copycat exercise was the best for me. Although I might have seemed as though I was still kind of stiff and probably subconsciously kept my trunk straight, I felt very loose. I always feel like I’m apologizing for making movements when I sing. This exercise cuts that out of the equation. It was great that I was able to attend this seminar last year and again this year. It’s like watching a good movie for the second time. You take away a lot more of the smaller details. I definitely think that this seminar should be called "coffee with Kimberly". You were so honest and open with us. It really felt as though you were like our big sister trying to get us down the right path. Very much appreciated."

Sam C., U of T, October 2001



"This is the kind of work singers should do more of - finding the joy in what we do, allowing ourselves to be creative in a safe environment."

Participant, U of T, October 2001



"This workshop was extremely valuable because nobody talks to us abut resumes and photos. We go out auditioning blind and ignorant. I’ve always felt ill-prepared. I never stopped to think about why I do things or how I got here. I’m interested in the book "The Artist’s Way". I think we sabotage ourselves a lot and it’s a good way of viewing the big picture and not getting hung up. The [attitude] cards [were helpful] - when I approached my aria (which is happy) I always sang it with a smile. Never experimented with colour or jaw or face like that. Career talks were so valuable. Nobody talks to us about it but somehow we’re expected to know. We don’t get a chance to talk to people like you and pick your brain. It’s invaluable."

Ariana C., U of T, October 2001



"You have very insightful and practical, down-to-earth advice, and yet you are very inspiring. It gives me a new way to think about singing and gives me new approaches to correcting problems. I really enjoyed the "attitude" cards and I will try them in the future with friends."

Participant, Glenn Gould Professional School, November 2001



"It helped me "let go" and apply more to what I can become stronger in - I really needed the push. [I learned that] intent and really bringing through emotion [can be achieved] without compromising technique - emotion cards are great and I probably will practice that myself. Thank you for everything you taught me in this small, short time!"

Clea S., Glenn Gould Professional School, November 2001



"You explained and gave [examples] that it is important to free up your body so the vocal happens and our minds aren’t working during the performance. I’m dyslexic; you bring a young performer to a positive place because you’re so young and you seemed to make it in a career where you're able to perform."

Participant, Glenn Gould School, November 2001



"I have done several workshops over the years and I found this one particularly beneficial because the exercises were very relaxing and relevant, bringing the music out and therefore the interpretation out. It was the first time that I sang in a master class in which I felt completely relaxed and at ease."

Meghan S., Glenn Gould School, November 2001



"Even though I didn't sing, learning through others works very well for me. The best was how you took the time to talk to us individually. I like the perspective that you present to us re: the real world of singing. It's a great motivating factor"

Joseph S., WLU, June 2002



"This workshop was valuable because I got an idea of the professional world as well as tips on auditions and other learning opportunities. Plus it was great to see the changes in the other singers from the beginning to the end. And I liked all the exercises (especially the gesture cards)"

Sarah F., WLU, June 2002



"Thank you to you and all the VOCE team for arranging to have Kim come for those two excellent evenings. Some techniques were things I had learned at the Banff Centre and found very useful, but had sort of forgotten about, and it was wonderful to be reintroduced to them. And some of what she gave was brand new and full of exciting possibilities. It was a very relaxed yet energizing, supportive warm and FUN experience. Thanks again!"

Heather, VOCE, September 2005



"As you already know, I thought the workshop was great. Even though I had done a lot of the same things at Banff with Kim it was nice to refresh my memory. There were also some new things that I can use for the future. The thing that made me very happy that I took part in the workshop was Kim's great personality. Not once did I feel uncomfortable doing the exercises, and that is quite something for me being that I am so insecure at times. The only negative thing that I could say about the workshop was that it was too short. Perhaps in the future we can have her back for a longer period of time."

Doug D., VOCE, September 2005



"I was fortunate to be able to attend both evenings of this workshop. The first evening involved all of the singers participating in group exercises relating to trust and improvisation. I was acquainted with most, if not all, of the exercises from Opera School. They proved to be as valuable now as they were then as the cast of participants was, of course, different. These types of encounters are wonderful group exercises as they promote a feeling of unity which is very important when one works in a chorus. Many of the singers were new and this was an ideal situation in which to become acquainted. Feelings of isolation or self-consciousness were soon alleviated in this informal and relaxed environment. Miss Barber is a fine teacher and has a talent of putting everyone at ease.
The second evening of exercises was very useful to singers as well as to those of us interested in teaching. The techniques that Miss Barber used to promote a greater understanding of each aria and how that repertoire can be internalized were very enlightening. She was kind enough to allow me to copy down some of her ideas and I hope to be able, as a teacher, to encourage and promote a feeling fo performance freedom which she so generously shared with us all."

Betty C., VOCE, September 2005




Master Classes


"Thank you again for your excellent work with the students. Both Amanda and Ashley enjoyed the experience and felt they had learned from it.
We can't ask for more. Again, congratulations for your very fine performances here. We are privileged."

Elaine C., Mount Royal College, January 2007



"Thanks for the great class. I think it made a big difference to N. especially. It is so refreshing to have these opportunities as a teacher to renew and refresh our outlook"

Dawn J., Mount Royal College, January 2007