Valerie Bastien

Sep 27

Valerie Bastien

MULTI-TALENTED VALERIE BASTIEN IS AN AUTHOR, teacher, and musician at heart. She has become one of the most sought after vocal coaches in Toronto with students of varying ages and backgrounds not only from her own community but also from the US, Europe and Asia.

In addition to offering vocal training, Valerie has taught as an elementary school teacher for over 15 years. After realizing that many teachers in her community struggled with vocal fatigue, she was inspired to write Voice Yourself in the Classroom- a book that is directly intended to meet the vocal demands of teachers. It offers strategies to find one’s natural dynamic speaking voice; a voice that will project easily, feel good, sound great, and of course have endurance. She specializes in removing tension from the vocal instrument in order to free the voice and sing effortlessly.

Formerly trained as a classical singer, she obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts (Specialization in Music Performance) from Concordia University in 1998. She later graduated from University of Ottawa in 2003 with a second BA in Education. If you’ve ever set foot in Old Montreal during the mid-nineties, you might have heard Valerie's coloratura voice resonate throughout Place Jacques-Cartier where she was once regularly performing opera arias. Although nowadays, Valerie also enjoys writing her own music. Simple arrangements, a pure vocal tone, and minimal instrument ornamentation keep her music organic and genuine. Her classical training, colorful tone, and French accent make for a unique pop/folk sound with a hint of world/new age feel.

Valerie draws upon many techniques to address individual areas of need. From Bel Canto to modern contemporary rock and pop styles, developing a beautiful, vibrant, powerful, rich, and balanced tone is her primary focus. Her intuitive singing approach and healthy vocal strategies provide tools to help the singer find their dynamic singing voice and maintain it, as well as grow creatively and to perform at the highest levels, whether it is on the road or in the studio. Her approach to vocal training is the subject of her upcoming book, Voice Yourself On Stage!

Valerie was personally mentored by Jaime Vendera during her vocal journey. They continue to collaborate on projects to assist singers.