Deanna Singh – Biography
Born and raised in Ottawa, soprano Deanna Singh completed her bachelor’s degree (BMus, voice 2015) at Carleton University and her master’s degree (MMus, vocal performance, 2018) at the University of Toronto. During her years as a student at Carleton, Deanna was an active member of the Carleton Music Student Society acting as the student representative and treasurer; she was a co-host of the Carleton Music Showcase on CKCU Radio, 93.1 FM; and was a member of the university’s Opera Ensemble. Deanna has traveled to Italy to further extend her vocal training – attending the 2013 Florence Voice Seminar where she studied with Benita Valente, and to the 2014 Accademia Arte e Vita summer program in Breno, Italy run by soprano Maghan McPhee and pianist Carl Phillippe Gionet. In 2017, Deanna attended the Orford Music Program to study both French and German repertoire under the guidance of Nathalie Paulin, David Lutz, and Francis Perron. In 2019, Deanna won first prize at the ORMTA Ottawa Regional Voice Competition and proceeded to win second prize at the ORMTA Provincials that year. Her ties to Carleton University remain strong: Deanna was honoured to perform the national anthem for convocation ceremonies in 2019, she was featured as a soprano soloist with the university choir and opera ensembles in 2018 and 2019, she is the current Carleton University Choir assistant to director, and she works in arts administration at the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre.
The CDCC Artist Profile Series – Q&A
Q. What initially drew you to singing and performing?
A. For as long as I can remember, I have always loved music and performing. There is a piano at my home that belonged to my grandmother, and I loved making sounds with it. I was 8 years old when I began piano lessons with the music director at St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church in Ottawa. As a matter of fact, church was probably the first place I learned to read music. My music teacher eventually wanted to hear what skills I had vocally, and we integrated simple vocal technique exercises and learning new songs during my lessons. My lessons eventually became split into two parts: piano & voice. I began to develop a love for voice and would often sing songs as part of our church services. My passion for singing guided me to pursue post-secondary education in music which brought me to Carleton University in 2011 where I met and worked with many talented artists and have been pursuing professional training opportunities ever since. What really draws me to singing is the constant learning and mental focus that is involved in the craft. I love how cerebral singing is. It requires a lot of mental focus to coordinate various vocal technical concepts and to sing in various languages. I like the challenge of learning difficult repertoire. Singing has also introduced me to the basics of many languages including French, Latin, Italian and German. I could not imagine my life without singing. I have been able to see some amazing places and meet incredible people because of music.
Q. What was your experience like in the Carleton Music program?
A. Wonderful! I loved my experience as a student in the Carleton Music program. The department felt like a real community, a friendly and safe space. The professors, TA’s and other staff members are all knowledgeable, experienced, and helpful. All my professors and instructors dedicated their time and efforts to provide quality teaching and aimed to help us all succeed. Carleton definitely offered several opportunities for me to grow and try new things in a safe environment. Working with the Carleton Music Student Society and CKCU radio was also fun. As an alumna, I am still positively encouraged and supported by Carleton Music faculty and staff members.
Q. What has it been like to return as to Carleton University after graduation and work at Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre?
A. I absolutely love my job at the Carleton Dominion- Chalmers Centre. I have wonderful colleagues and would say we make a wonderful team. I think this building is amazing with its history and architecture (of course I am biased). I am so proud to be working with the Ottawa-wide community relationships we have built here at the CDCC with Carleton. All the talent and kind souls that come through this building never cease to amaze me. It is a wonderful place to meet and network with an incredible array of people. I can truthfully say that the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre has become my second home.
Q. What advice would you offer to someone trying to pursue a career as a performer and arts administrator simultaneously?
A. There are a few things I try to keep in mind: organization, professionalism, and kindness! For all of us trying to pursue a career as a performer and working in the arts, I think flexibility is important. We need to always try to appreciate and understand the context in which things are happening and be prepared to occasionally handle the unexpected while maintaining positivity and professionalism. The Arts matter, and it takes a lot of people and pieces to make things happen, so forging good relationships helps everyone.
As a free-lance singer and performer, I make a conscious effort to schedule lessons and rehearsals that allow me to stay on top of my vocal development. I have a teacher, was a teacher myself, and believe that learning never stops which also allows me to always be adding to my repertoire. Taking care of my health and covering the basics are also crucial including: drinking enough water, eating the right foods, getting enough sleep, and the all important self-care.
Q. How has your work been impacted during COVID-19?
A. All of my freelance vocal performance gigs have been cancelled indefinitely; BUT I am so grateful to still have been able to continue with the work I do at the CDCC from home, and when needed on-site.
Q. Were there any special projects that you have undertaken during the quarantine time?
A. During quarantine time, I found myself cooking and baking (trying new recipes), gardening, continuing my vocal studies virtually, and spending some quiet time at my family’s cottage. I enjoyed hiking, swimming and kayaking while at the cottage this past summer.
Follow our #CDCCartistprofiles Twitter thread to track when new profiles are added each week this fall!
Click here to return to The CDCC Artist Profiles Series main page.