tonebase Voice Intensive at Brooklyn College

tonebase Voice Intensive at Brooklyn College

August 10, 2025
 - 
August 16, 2025
Full Session: 
August 10, 2025
 - 
Session 1: 
August 10, 2025
 - 
August 16, 2025
Session 2: 
 - 
In Proud Collaboration with Brooklyn College, Conservatory Of Music

A Week of Vocal Discovery in Brooklyn, New York

Join tonebase Voice for an unforgettable week of singing, artistry, and community at the Tow Center for the Performing Arts, presented in partnership with the Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music. Set in one of New York City’s most dynamic cultural hubs, this immersive program invites singers of all experience levels to deepen their craft in a setting known for creativity and innovation.

Each day of the program explores a different vocal genre—opera, art song, the Great American Songbook, musical theatre, and ensemble singing—giving you the chance to expand your repertoire, refine your technique, and grow as an expressive, versatile artist.

Expert Faculty: Work with tonebase teaching artists and Brooklyn College faculty who bring deep experience, personal artistry, and a passion for mentorship.

Immersive Learning: Enjoy a full schedule of group technique sessions, workshops on style, movement, and stagecraft, and inspiring performance opportunities—all held in the Tow Center’s acoustically rich, state-of-the-art facilities in Brooklyn, NY.

Holistic Growth: Develop your voice in a supportive and energized environment that emphasizes both technical skill and artistic authenticity.

Creative Community: Connect with a like-minded group of singers, collaborate in duets and ensembles, and celebrate your progress in a culminating final performance.


Whether you’re preparing to perform or rediscovering your voice, this week offers the tools, community, and inspiration to elevate your singing.

Secure Your Spot
Location
2920 Campus Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11210
Date & time
Full Session:
August 10, 2025
 - 
Session 1:
August 10, 2025
 - 
August 16, 2025
Session 2:
 - 

Meet Your Instructors

Warren Jones
Warren Jones
Piano

Warren Jones, a renowned pianist and master teacher, has shaped generations of musicians through his work at prestigious institutions and collaborations with leading vocalists. His expertise is widely recognized, from his judging of major competitions to his performances at the White House.

Malcolm Merriweather
Malcolm Merriweather
Voice

GRAMMY-nominated conductor Malcolm J. Merriweather leads prominent choral ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic Chorus, and holds a chair at Brooklyn College. He is known for his dynamic interpretations of symphonic choral works and his ensembles' performances at prestigious venues worldwide.

Heidi Vass
Heidi Vass
Voice

Heidi Vass is a soprano, educator, and recording artist known for her versatility across sacred, operatic, and ensemble repertoire. A specialist in genre differentiation, she performs with the vocal quartet Seraphour and leads vocal education at tonebase as Head of Voice. She has taught vocal pedagogy and opera at USC, Pepperdine, and California Lutheran University.

Amy Shoremount-Obra
Amy Shoremount-Obra
Voice

Tonebase artist Amy Shoremount-Obra, known for her compelling stage presence, has performed iconic soprano roles at the Metropolitan Opera and other major venues across the US and Europe. Alongside her performance career, she is a dedicated educator, teaching at Brooklyn College and sharing her expertise in bel canto and opera history.

Neil Semer
Neil Semer
Voice

Renowned voice teacher Neil Semer instructs students globally, combining classical technique with scientific principles, and his students perform at major opera houses and on Broadway. He imparts his knowledge in workshops and masterclasses, and is currently on faculty at Brooklyn College.

Laquita Mitchell
Laquita Mitchell
Voice

Laquita Mitchell, known for her expressive voice and vivid stage presence, has garnered acclaim for her portrayals in operas and concerts globally, from Porgy and Bess to contemporary works. In addition to her performance career, she is a dedicated educator at Brooklyn College and The New School Mannes.

Violetta Zabbi
Violetta Zabbi
Piano

Ukrainian pianist Violetta Zabbi, with degrees from Odessa State Academy, has a diverse career as a pianist, conductor, and coach in NYC, contributing to numerous opera productions. She currently teaches at Adelphi University and CUNY, while performing at venues like Carnegie Hall and sharing her expertise at international festivals.

Christopher Cooley
Christopher Cooley

Performing across five continents, pianist Christopher Cooley is a sought-after collaborator and award-winning artist, notably in opera and art song. Beyond his performance career, which includes Carnegie Hall, he coaches at Brooklyn College and is a skilled composer and arranger.

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Main Event Activities

Learn about the activities that will be taking place.

Events & Activities

The tonebase Voice Intensive is a weeklong experience of focused vocal training, artistic exploration, and meaningful performance. Each day includes expert-led sessions, individualized instruction, and opportunities to connect—all in the state-of-the-art Tow Center for the Performing Arts in Brooklyn.

Daily Technical Focus

Start each morning with a science-informed group technique session focused on the five systems of the voice: respiration, phonation, resonance, articulation, and cognition. These sessions help build sustainable technique for expressive, confident singing.

Masterclasses

Perform in at least one themed masterclass and observe others throughout the week. Get high-level, supportive feedback in sessions like:

  • Opera: Vocal Drama and Stage Presence
  • Art Song: Intimate Expression
  • Great American Songbook: Timeless Style
  • Musical Theatre: Acting the Song
  • Ensemble Singing: Musical Collaboration

One-on-One Instruction

Personalized Support for Your Unique Vocal Journey

Each participant receives individualized instruction designed to meet their specific artistic and technical goals. Whether you're focusing on breath coordination, preparing audition material, expanding your repertoire, or refining stylistic interpretation, your teachers will tailor their approach to support your growth.

Included in your registration:

  • Two 30-minute private voice lessons with expert faculty
  • One 30-minute private coaching focused on interpretation, diction, or repertoire refinement

Faculty are thoughtfully matched with each singer based on background, experience, and vocal needs—ensuring your time in lessons is personalized, focused, and impactful.

Workshops

Expand Your Tools and Artistic Voice

Afternoons feature hands-on workshops that deepen your interpretive and performance skills. These sessions address both the practical and artistic dimensions of singing, helping you explore new approaches to style, movement, and expression.

Sample workshops include:

  • Style in Motion – Physical coordination and expressive movement
  • Acting the Song – Connecting voice and character in performance
  • Genre Differentiation – Navigating stylistic demands across opera, art song, musical theatre, and the Great American Songbook
  • Performance Psychology for Singers – Focus, confidence, and artistic resilience
  • Alexander Technique for Vocalists – Finding ease and alignment through awareness

Fees

Choose the experience that fits your goals—whether you're here to sing, learn, or observe.

Active Participant – $2,100/week
Two private lessons, one coaching, ensemble and masterclass opportunities, final performance, and full access to all sessions.

Premium Upgrade – +$700
Includes everything above, plus teacher selection, priority masterclass placement, and a personalized onboarding call.

Visitor Pass – $700/week
Observe all masterclasses, workshops, and daily sessions without performing.

Day Pass – $375/day
Join for one full day: participate in group sessions and observe masterclasses.

*all private lessons and coachings are 30 minutes

Schedule of Events

What does a day at the event look like?

Sunday, August 10, 2025

Sunday – Arrival & Welcome

"The ultimate goal is to be heard, to be understood, and to touch people’s hearts with the beauty of your sound and the truth of your interpretation."Leontyne Price

  • 1:00–2:00 PM | Registration
  • 2:15–4:15 PM | Meet & Greet
  • 4:30–5:30 PM | Optional Lessons
  • 5:30–6:30 PM | Independent Practice & Small Group Rehearsal
Monday, August 11, 2025

Monday – Opera Day

Theme: Bel Canto & Classical Foundations
"People think I’m disciplined. It is not discipline. It is devotion. There is a great difference."Luciano Pavarotti

  • 8:30–9:15 AM | Group Vocal Technique: Introduction to the 5 Systems of the Voice
  • 9:30 AM–12:00 PM | Private Lessons, Coachings, Rehearsal
  • 12:00–1:00 PM | Lunch
  • 1:00–2:00 PM | Workshop (sample topic): The Bel Canto Style
  • 2:15–4:15 PM | Masterclass
  • 4:30–5:30 PM | Ensemble
  • 5:30–6:30 PM | Daily Wrap & Independent Practice
Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Tuesday – Art Song Day

Theme: Intimate Expression
"A song is a little life."Lotte Lehmann

  • 8:30–9:15 AM | Group Vocal Technique: Body Mechanics & Respiration
  • 9:30 AM–12:00 PM | Private Lessons, Coachings, Rehearsal
  • 12:00–1:00 PM | Lunch
  • 1:00–2:00 PM | Workshop (sample topic): Poetry and Interpretation
  • 2:15–4:15 PM | Masterclass
  • 4:30–5:30 PM | Ensemble
  • 5:30–6:30 PM | Daily Wrap & Independent Practice
Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Wednesday – Great American Songbook

Theme: Style, Phrasing, and Presence
"These songs are our poetry—intimate, honest, and built to last."Tony Bennett

  • 8:30–9:15 AM | Group Vocal Technique: Phonation & Resonance
  • 9:30 AM–12:00 PM | Private Lessons, Coachings, Rehearsal
  • 12:00–1:00 PM | Lunch
  • 1:00–2:00 PM | Workshop (sample topic): Differentiating Genre
  • 2:15–4:15 PM | Masterclass
  • 4:30–5:30 PM | Ensemble
  • 5:30–6:30 PM | Daily Wrap & Independent Practice
Thursday, August 14, 2025

Thursday – Musical Theatre

Theme: Acting Through Song
"Musical theatre is about truth—telling it, singing it, and living it out loud."Audra McDonald

  • 8:30–9:15 AM | Group Vocal Technique: Articulation
  • 9:30 AM–12:00 PM | Private Lessons, Coachings, Rehearsal
  • 12:00–1:00 PM | Lunch
  • 1:00–2:00 PM | Workshop (sample topic): Character Development
  • 2:15–4:15 PM | Masterclass
  • 4:30–5:30 PM | Ensemble
  • 5:30–6:30 PM | Daily Wrap & Independent Practice
Friday, August 15, 2025

Friday – Performance Prep Day

Theme: Bringing It All Together
"The goal is not to be perfect. The goal is to be fully present."Renée Fleming

  • 8:30–9:15 AM | Group Vocal Technique: Cognition and Mental Focus
  • 9:30 AM–12:00 PM | Morning Rehearsal
  • 12:00–1:00 PM | Lunch
  • 1:00–2:00 PM | Workshop (sample topic): Alexander Technique for Singers
  • 2:15–4:15 PM | Afternoon Rehearsal
  • 5:30–6:30 PM | Daily Wrap & Independent Practice
Saturday, August 16, 2025

Saturday – Performance Day

Theme: Celebration & Sharing the Work

"The only thing better than singing is more singing."Ella Fitzgerald

  • 8:30–9:15 AM | Group Vocal Technique: Final Warm-Up and Centering
  • 9:30–11:30 AM | Final Rehearsal
  • 12:00–1:00 PM | Lunch / Personal Prep
  • 2:00 PM | Final Performance
  • 4:00 PM | Closing Reception & Farewell

Ready to invest in your passion?

Click below to get started:

register NOW

Have questions? We'd love to talk to you!

Reach out to Heidi Vass, your event lead, at heidi.vass@tonebase.co or schedule a free consultation call clicking the button below.

Book a consultation

Join us for a week of learning and enrichment.

We look forward to hosting you!
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Frequently Asked Questions