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Thew Canadian soprano, Rebecca McKay, obtained her Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from Wilfrid Laurier University (2010-2015); and her Master of Arts degree in Community Music also from Wilfrid Laurier University (2015-2018). During her time at Laurier, she was Graduate Research Assistant (January 2016-2018), and specialized in choral leadership under Dr. Lee Willingham. Her research interests look at the intersections of community music, post-modern music education practices, and the traditional conservatory educational models.
Rebecca McKay is an active choral singer, having performed with the Laurier Singers' Chamber Choir, Spiritus Ensemble (Director: Kenneth Hull), Da Capo Chamber Choir, The Elora Singers, St. John's Elora, and is an active recitalist. She has also led choral, conducting, and lead choirs around Waterloo Region. She sings in a variety of genres and styles and considers herself a cross-over artist. From J.S. Bach to Bacharach, she takes influence from classical, musical theatre, jazz, pop and rock genres. She also writes, and perform with alternative rock band "...And More," whose music is influenced by prog-rock, grunge/punk, metal, and jazz styles.
Rebecca McKay served as Program Coordinator at Community Music School of Waterloo Region (April 2016-2019); Parish Administrator at Church of St John the Evangelist Anglican in Kitchener, Ontario (February 2018-November 2021); Voice Instructor Instructor at Beckett School of Music at Wilfrid Laurier University (since September 2012. She is at home teaching in classical and pop genres, focusing heavily on the use of classical technique and its applications to pop and musical theatre singing. She has coached students through songwriting and covering their favourite artists. In classical music, she has studied the solo vocal works of Bach, and studied historical Baroque performance extensively. She also studied German lieder, and have a renewed interest in French melodie.
Awards & Achievements: Gold Medal of Academic Excellence (Master Level); Lorna and Murray Holmes Scholarship; Charles and Myrtle Walkom Music Award |
