The Art of Partnership: A tonebase Intensive for Singers and Pianists

The Art of Partnership: A tonebase Intensive for Singers and Pianists

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

Event Overview

Elevate your artistry in an intensive singer-pianist collaboration workshop, presented in partnership with the Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music. Taking place at the Tow Center for the Performing Arts, the event is designed for intermediate to advanced classical singers and pianists, diving deep into the synergy of voice and piano.

Receive personalized guidance through 1:1 lessons, and participate in enriching workshops and masterclasses led by industry greats. Refine crucial collaborative skills, forge musical partnerships, and learn within the Tow Center's state-of-the-art facilities in the heart of Brooklyn, NYC

World-class faculty: Learn from industry luminaries and elevate your artistry under their expert guidance.

Immersive Musical Environment: Nurture your artistic journey at the Tow Center at Brooklyn College: a supportive environment with comfortable practice rooms, engaging performance spaces, and friendly communal areas.

Holistic Development: Elevate your technique while exploring the art of collaboration through a holistic blend of psychological understanding, active listening and concrete collaborative strategies.

Vibrant Community: Connect and collaborate daily with fellow musicians, and engage in stimulating discussions on music, art and cultural relevancy.

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.

Will Liverman
Will Liverman
Voice

GRAMMY-winning baritone Will Liverman is a prominent voice in contemporary opera, performing at major houses and creating new works, while championing American song and Black composers through his recordings.

Jeanne-Minette Cilliers
Jeanne-Minette Cilliers
Voice

Jeanne-Minette Cilliers, a South African pianist, is celebrated for her diverse collaborations in leading venues and with opera legends, demonstrating her international reach. She also impacts the music world through teaching, premiering new works, and co-founding a creative studio, Kudu Productions, in New York.

Raehann Bryce-Davis
Raehann Bryce-Davis
Voice

Acclaimed mezzo-soprano Raehann Bryce-Davis is known for her compelling performances at top opera venues and her visionary work in digital media, which has earned international film festival recognition.

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.

Ursula Oppens
Ursula Oppens
Piano

Tonebase artist and acclaimed pianist Ursula Oppens, a leading figure in contemporary music, has premiered countless new works and earned five Grammy nominations. Beyond her performing career, she is a dedicated educator at Brooklyn College, CUNY Graduate Center, and The New School Mannes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bin Yu Sanford
Bin Yu Sanford
Piano

Bin Yu Sanford, a Korean-born pianist, collaborates with leading opera companies across the US and has performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall. She also shares her expertise with young artists and is an alumna of the Metropolitan Opera's Lindemann Program, holding advanced degrees from the University of Cincinnati.

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.

Adam Nielsen
Adam Nielsen
Piano

Adam Nielsen is a versatile pianist, répétiteur, and coach, performing at venues like Carnegie Hall and the Metropolitan Opera, while also contributing to film and television soundtracks. He holds degrees from Juilliard and currently serves as Associate Artistic Director at the institution.

Cristina Stanescu
Cristina Stanescu
Piano

Cristina Stanescu, a Romanian-born pianist and vocal coach, performs internationally and teaches at Manhattan School of Music and The New School Mannes, where she founded the Collaborative Piano Program. Her extensive experience includes collaborations with renowned artists and affiliations with major musical institutions.

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Main Event Activities

Learn about the activities that will be taking place.

Events & Activities

An Unique Collaborative Experience at Brooklyn College

The Tonebase Brooklyn College Collaboration Intensive is dedicated to the art of voice and piano partnership. Through masterclasses, workshops and 1:1 lessons with esteemed faculty, plus the unique opportunity to learn from observing others, you'll refine technique, artistry, and performance.

Masterclasses and Workshops

Each participant will have the opportunity to perform in at least one masterclass/workshop, led by some of today’s leading international artists.

Masterclasses:

“Team Up: Tools That Work—actionable collaboration strategies”

Warren Jones—pianist

“The Dance of Connection: The Psychology of Shared Vision”

Jeanne-Minette Cilliers—pianist

Workshops

“The Artful Skill: Blending Technique and Artistry in Collaboration”

Will Liverman—baritone

“Listen & Respond—the Singer’s Approach to Collaboration”

Raehann Bryce-Davis—mezzo-soprano

“Finding Harmony: A Workshop for Pianists and Vocal Ensembles”

Malcolm Merriweather—conductor

The 1:1 experience:

Private Lessons for Active Participants:

Voice: Two 50-minute, 1:1 personalized private lessons, tailored to their artistic and technical growth.

Piano: Three 50-minute, 1:1 personalized private lessons, tailored to their artistic and technical growth as collaborators.

Faculty Selection – Premium Voice Participants can select their preferred faculty for private lessons.

Open-Door Policy: Learn from Every Lesson

All private lessons follow an open-door policy, allowing participants to observe any session. This immersive approach fosters a collaborative and inspiring learning environment, where musicians can gain valuable insights from different teaching styles, techniques, and interpretations—not just for their instrument, but across disciplines.

More than Music: Additional Activities

Beyond only lessons and masterclasses, the Tonebase Brooklyn College Collaboration Intensive offers a wide range of opportunities to connect and explore your artistic expression:

Catered Meals: Enjoy locally catered lunches, accommodating all dietary needs, in the expansive Brooklyn College Atrium, while relaxing with fellow participants and faculty.

Food for Thought: Two Q&A sessions with tonebase artists & faculty Ursula Oppens (pianist) and Will Liverman (baritone), sharing their views on collaboration and inviting your thoughts.

Practice what you preach! Two mini-recitals by artist faculty provide a birds-eye view on their real-life musical partnerships.

Performance Opportunity: Collaborate with new friends in our Final Recital! Participation is optional but encouraged, and rehearsal time is built into the schedule. discussion. A great moment to share the week’s progress and discoveries in a convivial setting.

For Premium Participants, enjoy a special panel discussion followed by a Brooklyn craft cocktail hour.

Last, but not least:

Room for growth!

Practice Rooms for Active Participants

  • 15 well-equipped practice rooms are available daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Teaching Studios:

  • 5 teaching studios with Steinway grand pianos.

Cost & Housing

Cost

  • Visitor Pass: $700/week - Inspire Your Passion.
    • Enjoy masterclasses, workshops  and 1-on-1 lessons as a passive participant.
    • Receive a tonebase goodie bag.
  • Active Participant: $2100/week - Immerse & Grow.
    • Actively participate in workshops & masterclasses.
    • Receive 1-on-1 lessons.
    • Enjoy all group events (except Premium).
    • Includes daily lunch/snacks, professional audio/video recording of final performance, certificate, & goodie bag.
  • Premium Experience: $2800/week - Elevate Your Art.
    • All Active benefits, plus:
    • Priority acceptance & faculty selection.
    • Personalized onboarding & post-event check-ins.
    • Exclusive Premium event & tonebase merchandise.
    • Professional audio/video recordings of all masterclasses, workshops, lessons and final performance.

For a limited time we offer 10% Early Bird discounts! Available at checkout!

Housing

  • Accommodation Note: Housing is not included, allowing you to choose your ideal stay.
  • Conveniently Close: Ramada by Wyndham, a comfortable option within walking distance of the Tow Center.
  • Downtown Vibes: Hampton Inn Brooklyn/Downtown, offering easy access via a 40-minute train/subway journey.
  • Group Savings: Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more. Contact us to coordinate your group's stay!

Schedule of Events

What does a day at the event look like?

Sunday, August 10, 2025
  • 10:00 AM: Check-in & Introductions
  • 11:00 AM: Piano Placements / Voice 1:1 Lessons
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch
  • 2:00 PM: Piano & Voice 1:1 Lessons/practice
  • 6:00 PM: Light snack
  • 6:45 PM: Mini-Recital: Will Liverman (baritone) + Jeanne-Minette Cilliers, followed by Q&A
Monday, August 11, 2025
  • 10:00 AM: Piano / Voice 1:1 Lessons/coachings/practice
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch
  • 2:00 PM: Workshop 1: Will Liverman—baritone “The Artful Skill: Blending Technique and Artistry in Collaboration”
  • 6:00 PM: Light snack
  • 6:30 PM: Q&A with pianist Ursula Oppens "Vocal Collaboration: The Power to Transform”

Tuesday, August 12, 2025
  • 10:00 AM: Workshop 2: Raehann Bryce-Davis—mezzo-soprano “Listen & Respond—the Singer’s Approach to Collaboration”
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch
  • 2:00 PM: Masterclass 1: Warren Jones—pianist “Team Up: Tools That Work—actionable collaboration strategies”
  • 5:00 PM: Premium Event: Panel Discussion & Local Cocktail Hour

Wednesday, August 13, 2025
  • 10:00 AM: Piano & Voice 1:1 Lessons/coachings/practice
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch
  • 2:00 PM: Piano & Voice 1:1 Lessons/coachings/practice
  • 6:00 PM: Light dinner
  • 7:00 PM: Recital: Raehann Bryce-Davis (mezzo-soprano)  & Jeanne-Minette Cilliers (pianist)

Thursday, August 14, 2025
  • 10:00 AM: Workshop 3: Malcolm Merriweather, conductor “Finding Harmony: A Workshop for Pianists and Vocal Ensembles”
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch
  • 2:00 PM: Piano & Voice 1:1 Lessons/coachings/practice
  • 7:00 PM: Game Hour

Friday, August 15, 2025
  • 10:00 AM: Piano & Voice 1:1 Lessons/coachings/practice
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch
  • 2:00 PM: Masterclass 2: Jeanne-Minette Cilliers—pianist “The Dance of Connection: The Psychology of Shared Vision”
  • 5:00 PM: Rehearsals for Final performance

Saturday, August 16, 2025
  • 10:00 AM: Rehearsals/Practice
  • 12:00 PM: Dress Rehearsal
  • 2:00 PM: Light snack
  • 3:00 PM: Final Performance (Piano & Voice)
  • 5:00 PM: Picnic/Celebration Dinner

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 Jeanne-Minette Cilliers, your event lead, at jeanne-minette@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