Emphasis Voice Studio

What Gregorian Chant Taught Me About Singing (Yes, Really — and Choir Directors, You’ll Get This)

As a voice coach, most of my work is helping singers uncover more freedom, connection, and artistry in their sound.

But sometimes, even as a teacher, I need to reconnect with the soul of singing. Lately, I’ve been doing that through something ancient — and surprisingly transformative: Gregorian chant.

I recently started studying with the Gregorian Chant Academy, and I’ve been deeply moved by how much this music sharpens the ear, anchors the breath, and invites stillness. It’s beautifully structured, musically rich, and spiritually grounding.

If you direct choirs, sing in one, or lead others vocally — I really think this will resonate with you. It’s not just about learning chant… it’s about rediscovering what music is for.

Here’s the link if you want to check it out (I’m sharing as an affiliate, so you’re also supporting my work):
👉 https://www.gregorianchantacademy.com/a/2148154011/2sTCo32T

I truly don’t promote many things — but this is a gem. And if you’re curious about what I’ve been up to vocally myself, more is coming soon via www.emphasisvoice.com. 🙏

If you’ve studied chant before — or if it’s totally new to you — I’d love to hear your thoughts. Drop a comment or send a message.

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A little late posting, but here is a sample of some of the magnificent music I had the honor of performing with the Diocesan choir of Orange.

Mary Kim Yen Christ Cathedral Concerts Spring Choral Spectacular April, 2017 Ave Maria - Franz Biebl Magnificat - Leo Nestor

Share some of your music tastes and knowledge with this quick questionnaire! Copy and paste to your status; add your answers!

1. A song with a color in the title: 'Red and Black' from Les Miserables
2. A song with a number in the title: 'Eight Days a Week' by the Beatles
3. A song that reminds you of summertime: 'Summertime' from Porgy and Bess
4. A song that has to be played LOUD: 'Firework' by Katy Perry
5. A song to drive to: '500 miles' by The Proclaimers
6. A song that makes you happy: 'Sing We Now of Christmas' (Noel Nouvelet) by the Taylor Festival Choir
7: A song that makes you sad: 'O Danny Boy'
8: A song that you never get tired of: 'Quella fiamma che m'accende' (sung by Cecelia Bartoli)
9: One of your favorite classical songs: 'Les Berceaux' by Gabriel Faure
10: A song that has many meanings to you: 'All I Ask of You' from Phantom of the Opera
11: A song from your childhood: 'I Bought Me a Cat' by Aaron Copland
12: A song that you think everyone should listen to: 'Der hölle rache' from Mozart's Die Zauberflöte sung by Diana Damrau
13: A song that breaks your heart: 'Prayer' From The Scarlet Pipernel sung by Douglas Sills
14: A song that makes you want to fall in love: 'I'll be There' from The PIrate Queen sung by Hadley Fraser
15: A song by an artist whose voice you love: 'Wishing You were Somehow here Again' Sarah Brightman

What a great work to experience during Holy Week! Reading the article is enough to make you search for a video online.

Opera Today : St Matthew Passion: Armonico Consort and Ian Bostridge Receive articles and news via RSS feeds or email subscription.

Right before headed to Chrism Mass yesterday. Singing with the dio choir of orange 😊

I never saw Tech and Opera as mixing well. If anyone watches this, you'll have to let me know...

The Life of Apple Founder Steve Jobs Is Becoming an Opera Composer Mason Bates and librettist Mark Campbell have created the opera “The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs” about the life of the Apple computer founder. It premieres in July in Santa Fe.