MOIRA SMILEY
Teaching & Residency Work
Moira has adapted many of her usually-in-person offerings to fit for online opportunities!
Moira has taught extensively around the world. Her subject is the singing voice and its ability to encompass an astounding range of expressive, linguistic, and stylistic colors. Moira seeks to guide her students in the discovery and development of flexibility within their own voice – both technically and artistically. She also focuses with students on creating a moving performance.
Moira has led vocal workshops and residencies at countless universities, colleges, high schools, conservatories, and musical organizations including the LA Master Chorale, Savannah Acoustic Music Seminar, Vancouver Youth Choir, Yale, and Oxford. Moira’s academic specialty is Early Music, and she has developed parallel experience with various folk traditions – especially early American, Irish, and Balkan vocal styles. By exploring the particularities of traditions, styles, and periods, she’s found something uniquely her own.
Moira continues to develop new experiences for singers, and is excited by the opportunity to share music with singers of all experience levels. She also teaches with her primary ensemble, VOCO – a remarkable teaching team specializing in improvisation, vocal technique, and movement. Moira is available for a variety of residencies and workshops throughout the year.
“When [Moira] walked in…she just lit up the whole room. When she started talking you could just feel the energy. She wants us to succeed…”
“Learning new techniques and tracks for my body percussion, mainly including the whole body instead of just hands, was very insightful… The whole experience was really fun and very interesting!”
Current Offerings
In addition to private/group lessons, Moira is available to teach any of her pre-designed workshops or a tailored-to-you workshop, in-person or virtually! Moira creates an inclusive and community-minded workspace for singers and musicians of all experience levels with her always-gentle, playful, and patient approach to learning.
CLICK HERE to reach out for individual opportunities and CLICK HERE for an example of an online body percussion workshop.
Praise for Moira’s Teaching, Clinics and Workshops
“Moira’s teaching strikes the perfect balance between gentle encouragement and strong, clear feedback and suggestions to help us move forward with our compositions. I would definitely take this class again!”
“Moira’s Masterclass gave me a bucket of tools for embodiment, articulation, resonance, and, most importantly, expression. I’m walking away with more options and confidence as a performer.”
“Moira is a wonder – an impeccable musician, gracious, collaborative, kind, and open. She was incredibly generous in her interactions with our young singers while inspiring them to attain a new level of artistry. On stage, she is raw and vibrant. Many of our students reported afterward that working with Moira was a high point of their entire performing experience within our program. I can honestly say I share the same sentiment.”
“…as a clinician, Moira brings her endless curiosity, her energy that is both grounded and compelling, and constant flexibility. As a performer, she embodies everything she teachers. Both her music and her singing are without a filter – direct conveying of emotion and a spectrum of authentic sound.”
“The [masterclass] kicks off in full gear. It is all about sharing and elevating musical ideas and learning from Moira and all of the participants. Pure joy from start to finish!”
“Moira is a masterful, artistic genius who brings true beauty, musicianship and pure humanity to the choral experience.”
“In these times of turmoil, it was a chance to align our voices to those on the front lines and feel alive in the process.”
“Getting groups of people singing and moving is a habit for this conservatory-trained student of folk songs and theater improv; her solo shows are often paired with residencies, teaching participants how to make their whole selves ‘be’ the music.”
Videos
A Celebration of Innovative Song-Leading
June 19, 2021
Click Here to Open PDF Program
Education Outreach
Downloadable One-Page PDF
Select Experiences
Moira with Missouri State Women's Chorus
Residency with Thom Bridge
