Annie Nolan

I started working with Deborah Millar over two years ago at the suggestion of a close friend. I am a singer-songwriter and at the time I was performing with a band as well as on my own in intimate acoustic settings.

As we started working together I realized that there are more universes in the voice than I had ever imagined, much less employed. Deborah introduced me to vocal technique as a tool to develop my voice, to get a beautiful sound, to sing higher, to have more control, and to feel totally present in my body while singing. When I listen to recordings of myself from before I began working with Deborah, I can hear so clearly that I was merely scratching the surface of my potential. She is quick to detect problems in the voice and solve them before they become entrenched. Her guidance and coaching was invaluable for the preparation and release of my first CD in January 2009. I feel so fortunate to be one of her students.

Check out Annie's new CD at: http://www.annienolan.com/

Lisa Ingalis

After my first lesson with Deborah, I remember thinking to myself, "wow, I really like this woman." There seemed to be so much that she said that spoke to me and touched me personally, especially her explanation of the work of the psyche in the singing process. I wasn't sure what to expect when coming for lessons, but I soon found that Deborah brings so much to the experience. She is a very interesting woman who has a lot of knowledge and experience in many different areas and I think that contributes to the success of the lessons. I have learned to focus on the creative process of singing as opposed to just the idea of "I am becoming a good singer." There is so much more to singing than I ever expected, and Deborah does an excellent job of explaining them so that it's easy to understand. The visual and movement cues seem to be so important. Another aspect that I really enjoy is her sense of humour. Her patience, encouragement and feedback are helpful in creating an easygoing atmosphere for one to experiment in. Deborah creates a safe, comfortable environment that allows me to venture into worlds unknown. She has helped me to blossom in a way that I had not yet experienced.

Caroline Covil

As part of a leadership coaching course at Royal Roads University, I was asked to reflect on the differences between coaching and teaching. I realized that Deborah is my coach in our work together. She makes my singing lessons an empowering and exciting place to be; where I am not just learning skills, but exploring the art of singing.

From the beginning Deborah promoted a safe environment to learn in. Her warmth, teaching skills and guidance provides structure, but also allows me to set direction. She asks for my opinion and encourages questions. Our goal is to see progress while enjoying the music and the singing process itself.

Deborah has an amazing expertise in singing, with effective ways of imparting skills by choosing from a variety of approaches. She also has a holistic view about the voice/body/psyche connection. Her passion and appreciation for the art form gives life to the music I'm studying and creates a context for it by imparting its history and meaning.

Through Deborah's skills and inspiration I am now finding my own voice, and the confidence to explore this new facet of my life.

Emily Story

Deborah has the ability to guide singers into new connectedness with mind, body and spirit. She has led me to a depth of understanding, awareness, body connection and ultimately artistry that I believe I could not have achieved with anyone else. Thank you, Deborah!

Emily won the Opera Idol competition. Read the Times Colonist article: here

Michael W. Shewchuk

I am a stage and film actor based in Victoria BC. Deborah's work as a teacher of singers was well known to me but I wondered what she would make of an actor with only novice singing ability and experience. As soon as we began work together, I immediately felt I had made the right choice. Deborah's philosophy matched closely with my training as an actor: learning early on the fundamentals that form a foundation on which to base future growth and to fall back on in crisis, and work towards performing naturally.. Not only does my singing sound better but it feels good to sing, which has not always been the case. Deborah is able to explain the mechanics of proper voice technique to me in ways I am able to understand, like no other teacher I have had before, and has the patience of a saint when it takes me a while to catch on or backslide. Of all of the areas of professional development I have undertaken, I have made the greatest leaps and built the firmest base on which to grow thanks to Deborah and I look forward to continuing our work together for some time to come.

Barbara Pedrick

I was a bass player and singer in a bluegrass band when my left vocal chord became temporarily paralyzed. Deborah Millar has helped me learn how to use my whole body to support my voice, relieving the stress on my throat. As a result, not only did my voice recover but my range increased opening new vocal possibilities to me and many more years of enjoying singing.

Barbara Pedrick, photographer http://pacificcoast.net/~bpedrick/