Debora Joy’s Voice Teaching Philosophy

I passionately believe that each person has limitless vocal potential and that by freeing the voice, the person becomes freer to express themselves.
My gentle and gradual process includes both voice and yoga-based movement exercises covering tension release, alignment, breath buoyancy, resonance, range, power and articulation. This process brings about the connection of the whole voice to the whole body, a charismatic and compelling experience for both the performer and the audience. Voice work can help us to be more present and more spontaneous in our work and in our lives.

Bio: Debora Joy

Debora is happy to be continuing her work with Elevated Grounds this year, after having had a great experience with the organization and the participants last year. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Music degree in Voice Performance at the University of Toronto as well as a MFA in directing from York University. A Tyrone Guthrie Award winner, Debora spent five seasons at the Stratford Festival. Equally at home in plays, musicals or contemporary opera, Debora has performed throughout Canada and abroad in many productions including THE BELLE OF AMHERST(Emily Dickinson), EVITA(Evita), THE AFFECTIONS OF MAY(May), and the Toronto premiere of the contemporary opera THE BOILER ROOM SUITE (Aggie Rose). Her directing credits include OUR COUNTRY’S GOOD, COLOURS IN THE STORM and her own adaptation of HENRY V (York University), I DO! I DO! (Theatre Brockville), and the premiere of HARD HATS – THE MUSICAL (Lighthouse Festival). Her musical direction credits include THREEPENNY OPERA(York University) and VINEGAR TOM(Players’ Academy). In 1993, she headed the voice department at the University of Windsor and since then, she has taught at York University, Atkinson College, Sheridan College, Erindale College (U of T), and at Equity Showcase. This is her ninth year teaching voice at the George Brown Theatre School. She is also the voice teacher for the Tom Todoroff acting studio in Toronto. She also has a private voice and singing studio in the Beaches, where she lives with her husband Misha Jelicic and son, Nikolas.

Student’s Comments

A skilled teacher able to bring each person to a new level of ability, Deb possesses a deep compassion and intuition and allows one to move forward to new levels of risk and accomplishment.
— George Brown Student in anonymous polls

Deb is enthusiastic, compassionate and caring – her interest in her students is unparalleled. She treats us with respect and kindness and her class responds with excellent work and results. She is also very adaptable as she quickly arranges and re-arranges her focus to suit the needs of her students
— George Brown student in anonymous polls

Debora Joy is patient, encouraging and intuitive, knowing exactly what I need when I arrive at her door. For beginner and professional students, her simpatico energy creates a safe place to learn. Debora has been instrumental in the growth of my career. We worked doggedly on the material from Mamma Mia and after much persistence I was cast in the show! I would highly recommend her to anyone interested in voice and singing work.
— Alison Sommerville, Equity and Actra member.

Testimonial

Elevated Grounds continues to provide an inspiring service for presently under serviced youth. I fully support their initiative to provide arts training for those talented individuals who otherwise would be unable to realize their tremendous potential. Elevated Grounds’ work is not only enriching these particular participants. The benefits extend to the communities in which they live in a myriad of ways, artistically and socially. Elevated Grounds has grown and matured after its successful 2006 season, and I look forward to continuing and expanding my connection with them and the talented individuals that they are nurturing.

Please visit Debora’s website at www.deborajoy.com for more information.