HolIstIc Pedagogy & Mentorship
Led by internationally known voice pedagogue, singer, and master teacher, Dr. Maryann Kyle, the IPAI Teaching Fellowship Program is a three-week intensive teaching-performance and mentoring program specially tailored to the artistic and professional goals of the selected participants. It provides a unique opportunity to learn from a team of master teachers and guest artists.
Fellows will participate in group sessions with Dr Kyle, observe applied lessons and masterclasses, work with guest faculty, perform in opera and musical theatre events, develop teaching philosophies and integrate a holistic approach to teaching voice and vocal pedagogy. Emphasis will be placed on musical theatre, commercial voice and gospel styles of singing.
The IPAI Teaching Fellowship Program is highly selective. Candidates are carefully screened and chosen to build a cohesive and collaborative group who will challenge each other in an encouraging team-building environment. Artist-teachers transitioning into faculty positions, beginning faculty, and those seeking advanced training and faculty development in a nurturing environment are encouraged to apply.
World-clAss InstrUctIon
IPAI provides a positive and nurturing environment in which each artist can learn and develop to their full potential. Fellows receive two weekly voice lessons, one-on-one mentorship, special master classes with Maryann Kyle, structured pedagogy lessons, as well as group and individual reflection and feedback. Fellows may observe any private lessons, rehearsals, or coachings with the IPAI Young Artists at the discretion of the teachers and clinicians. They are also encouraged to participate in acting and movement classes as often as possible and observe any opera, musical theatre, and company master classes and workshops which will focus on style, interpretation, audition techniques, mind/body awareness, coping with stress and nervousness, the business of performing, career building, and more!
Teachers may also have the opportunity to practice the empathy and skills learned first-hand with their colleagues and volunteer Opera and/or Musical Theatre Young Artists.
“Going into the Teaching Fellowship program at IPAI with Maryann Kyle, I knew that I would come away with new skills and training as a voice teacher. What I did not know— or expect— is that I would find the clarity and perspective I needed to quite possibly change the trajectory of my career in amazing ways, that I would experience healing I desperately needed, that I would find family, or that my soul would be fed. This program is truly unique and quite literally changed my life, both as a teacher and as a person. I could not be more grateful.”
“My experience working with Dr. Kyle at the International Performing Arts Institute was life changing. I learned vocal techniques that have helped me sing with more ease and in healthy ways that are not damaging. Beyond that, Dr. Kyle helped me conquer so much of my performance anxiety which has held me back for years. She is inspiring and has helped me see how capable I am as a singer which has given me the confidence to pursue opportunities I didn’t think were possible.”
“Being an IPAI 2021 Teaching Fellow was a life-changing, life-affirming journey. I applied seeking out a place to be in community with other teaching artists and to specifically work with Dr. Maryann Kyle as my voice teacher and mentor. From minute one, in charming downtown Fairhope, I got all that and so very much more. Having focused, dedicated time to grow as an artist led to an incredible 3 weeks of sharing, healing, and gaining insight on how I teach and mentor my students back home. Our Teaching Fellowship “downloads” were a favorite of each week, as we enjoyed down time and processed all we learned. Performing in the Liederabend and working with world class pianists during lessons and coachings fueled my love of sharing the gift of vocal music. I am grateful beyond measure to founders Bruce and Darla Ernest for their vision, to director Stacey Trenteseaux for her leadership and love, to Dr. Kyle for her nurturing spirit and expertise, to Dr. Michael Bunchman for his enthusiasm, knowledge and generosity, and to ALL of the faculty and staff of IPAI for pouring into us so that we may leave fulfilled. ”
“Working with Dr. Kyle at IPAI was a transformative experience, helping me not only to reconnect with singing in a meaningful way, but also to approach the act anew through centering playfulness and exploration as primary navigation tools. The ability to examine and peel off the layers that served as obstacles in my relationship with my voice is one of the many gifts that Dr. Kyle gave me, and I am very thankful for her pedagogy and for the perspective gained through my work with her.”