Contralto
TEACHING
VOICE LESSONS
Dr. Brenda Iglesias’s teaching includes applied voice, vocal pedagogy, diction, repertoire, and audition and career mentorship. She regularly gives masterclasses and residencies in the United States and Latin America.
For inquiries about private lessons, masterclasses, clinics, and residencies, please reach out to: biglesias@binghamton.edu
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
No two singers arrive in the studio the same way, and their stories and reasons for singing matter as much as their voices. I begin by listening for what already works, then we release what holds back each singer’s true, unique sound, building a sustainable technique that gives them the confidence to sing freely and express themselves fully.
Singing is more than a physical act. It involves the whole person: body, mind, emotions, and spirit. My teaching rests on two principles that support each other: a holistic approach to singing and science-informed vocal training. I believe expression comes first: when students sing with real intention behind every breath and phrase, the body tends to organize itself, and singing becomes easier, freer, and far more enjoyable.
The holistic side draws on Janice Chapman’s Primal Sound and its connection to the Accent Method, along with Alexander Technique and Body Mapping. Because we function as an integrated system, vocal freedom can be blocked by psychological barriers or physical tension. When a student feels stuck mentally, we use movement and play to quiet self-judgment; when the body locks up, we return to Primal Sound to restore buoyancy and flexibility. On the scientific side, Kenneth Bozeman’s work in vocal acoustics helps students understand how alignment, breathing and support, phonation, resonance, and articulation work together. Vocal health is at the forefront of my pedagogy, and every technical choice aims for a healthy, sustainable sound that helps students let go of inefficient habits.
I value both historical pedagogy and current voice science. Through my teacher Thomas Baresel, my lineage reaches back to Manuel García, and I also draw on the writings of G.B. Lamperti. From both the old and the new, I take the same lesson: technique exists to serve expression. Retraining a habit sometimes means isolating a skill for a moment, but just as athletes train so their bodies respond automatically during the game, singers practice so technique can disappear into the music.
As an active singer, I remain a lifelong student myself. My goal is for the singers in my studio to leave as independent artists who understand how their voices function, can guide their own growth, and sing with ease, joy, and confidence.
STUDENT SUCCESS
Singers from the Iglesias Studio have been accepted into leading graduate programs with scholarships up to full tuition, earned recognition in national competitions, presented at the Pan American Vocology Association (PAVA) conference, and performed with professional companies and young artist programs.
OPERA COMPANIES & YAPs
Tri-Cities Opera — Supporting roles
Geneva Light Opera — Leading role
San Francisco Opera — Cover
Chicago Summer Opera — Principal roles
COMPETITIONS
NATS Regional Auditions — Several first-place winners, second-place winners
Binghamton University Concerto Competition — Winner
Luminarts Cultural Foundation — Winner
GRADUATE STUDY
Graduate acceptances include New York University, the University of Michigan, Peabody Conservatory, Indiana University, Manhattan School of Music, the Cleveland Institute of Music, and Boston Conservatory at Berklee, with awards up to full tuition.
Iglesias has also helped singers from Latin America pursue graduate study in the United States with full-tuition scholarships
Masterclasses & Guest Residencies
I give masterclasses at universities and conservatories in the United States and abroad, working with singers on vocal technique, style, and performance across a wide repertoire. I also lead vocal pedagogy workshops in English and Spanish, with a special commitment to making vocal education available to communities with limited access to specialized training.
Recent masterclasses include:
Baylor University, Boston University, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, Universidad Católica Argentina.
Upcoming:
Universidad de las Américas Puebla, University of Florida.
SPANISH COACHING
¡Hola! Are you ready to elevate your singing experience through the enchanting world of art songs and arias in Spanish? As a native Spanish speaker, I bring a unique authenticity to your journey of mastering Iberian and Latin-American art songs, Zarzuela, and arias in Spanish. Whether you're a seasoned singer or a newcomer, I've identified common pitfalls and mispronunciations that non-native speakers often encounter. With personalized coaching, I'll guide you in overcoming these challenges and infuse your singing with the true essence of the language.
In 2022, I collaborated with the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, coaching Spanish diction for Arturo Rodriguez's arrangement of 'Noche de Posadas'. I have also performed full programs dedicated to Latin American repertoire, and I am passionate about helping singers explore this rich musical tradition while developing accurate, expressive diction. It is especially rewarding to see my students gain confidence in the language and incorporate this new repertoire into their own recitals!
Let's embark on a melodic journey together, where your voice and the Spanish language harmonize beautifully with command, authenticity, and precision!