Anna K. — Singing Teacher — Laval-des-Rapides, Laval

Anna Karslyan is a 21-year-old contralto and dedicated singing tutor with over three years of teaching experience. Deeply involved in music since childhood, she has earned recognition across Armenia, Georgia, and Italy for her expressive voice and musicality. Anna is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including a special prize from the Mario Melani Academy at the Future Stars 2017 competition in Pesaro, Italy, first prize at the Melody competition in Yerevan, and second prize at Art Music in Yerevan. She has participated in numerous concerts and festivals, including Under One Sky, Tbilisi: From Festival to Festival, and performances in Batumi, Georgia. In 2019, she was selected for the Zartonk Music Academy in Vanadzor, Armenia. Before moving to Canada, Anna had the opportunity to work with world-renowned Armenian soprano Hasmik Papian. She is currently continuing her vocal studies at the Schulich School of Music at McGill University, under the mentorship of acclaimed soprano Aline Kutan. Anna brings the same passion she has for performing into her teaching, inspiring young singers with her experience, warmth, and dedication.

Singing and music, in general, connect me to my mood and thoughts and are sourced from the passion buried inside me. I believe that the music we listen to and play reflects our nature and unchains the “storm” we hide from the world. My purpose of teaching music is to help all singing students understand the music, feel each sound, and realize the importance of representing this powerful art form to the world, with the goal of enriching their lives and them to their inner spirit. Being a classically trained singer, I have had the privilege of collaborating with and sharing the stage with gifted musicians. Exploring a vast repertoire has led me into the world of classical composers, their works, and their unique styles. For several years, I have worked and continue to work with various teachers, from whom I have learned a great deal. Each one has had their unique teaching methods, allowing me to discover the knowledge they have shared, thus gathering a wide range of techniques that can be supportive for my students individually. I have selected the strategies I have found most helpful and ground them in a strong foundation for my present teaching. I continually enrich my comprehension in the field to become more beneficial future. As a teacher, I always prioritize abdominal breathing, clear consonants and vowels, even vibration and projection, as well as correct pronunciation. Over time, I have designed various exercises that strengthen the abdominal muscles for breathing, develop facial and tongue muscles for pronunciation, and have used creative exercises, such as making sound effects like a child crying or exercises with a straw—by blowing air through it—to direct the sound outward and to find the correct projection. It takes years to enhance singing technique, but knowing that the results will be rewarding helps both the student and teacher remain patient. Teaching singing is a responsible job. Above all, students must feel confident and comfortable in classroom, allowing them to release tension in their body and fully engage in singing. As a teacher, I believe in being both respectful and friendly so that students feel supported. This is why, when highlighting mistakes made, it is important also to mention the improvements accomplished, so that the student feels motivated. Encouraging students and creating self-belief is essential in empowering them to continue. When students leave the classroom, perhaps the teacher’s success will be revealed when the student returns for more!