Congratulations to Anja Burmeister, part-time professor in the Music Performance department, winner of Schulich's 2023-2024 Teaching Award in the Part-Time Category!
Over the years, Anja Burmeister has taught undergraduate courses including MUPG 213 (German Lyric Diction), MUPG 209 (Introduction to Lyric Diction), MUPG 353 (Song repertoire), MUPG 380 (Oratorio repertoire), and the graduate seminar MUPG 590 (Vocal Styles and Conventions). In addition to this, she has also created two seminars that attract voice students and instrumentalists alike: MUPP 693 (Music in the Weimar Era), and MUPP 693 (Researching Lied and Poetry). Demonstrating a mastery of vocal technique and musical expression, her students have gone on to successfully enter undergraduate programs at McGill University, the University of Toronto, and the Manhattan School of Music. Others have participated in prestigious summer programs like the Sewanee OperaFest, Domaine Forget de Charlevoix, and Orford Musique Academy among others.
Anja's work has expanded far beyond voice instruction and the support she has given her students attests to her professional values in teaching and learning. She prioritizes meeting students at their level and fostering an inclusive environment where they feel supported throughout their journey. One of her students shared the following: "she makes me feel like there is space for me in classical music, and I'm so fortunate to have a teacher that sees the best in me and believes that I belong in this world". Committed to providing a culturally sensible learning experience, Professor Burmeister is continuously adapting her approach to cater to her students' needs. One of the singers from her studio heart-warmingly recalls: "she has shown me nothing but respect for the traditional Filipino pieces that I bring to my lessons, and even suggested that I sing one of these pieces for my concentration exam." She adds the following: "it was personally such an important comment for me because it taught me that I was allowed to hold space for my culture, and that my culture was allowed to hold this much space in a primarily white environment".
Equally recognized by her peers as a "kind, supportive, intelligent, thoughtful, and well-informed colleague", Anja works regularly with the two of the most distinguished opera houses in the world: the San Francisco Opera, and the Houston Grand Opera, as well as will the Los Angeles Philharmonic. In addition to this, she has maintained a residency at the Marlboro Music Festival as German diction coach since 2019 - and some of the greatest present-day artists have had the chance to benefit from her expertise. Anja's impressive achievements testify to the standard of excellence to which she holds herself and her students, granting her the 2023-2024 Schulich Teaching Award.
In celebration of this award and of her achievements, we asked Anja to tell us more about her teaching philosophy and teaching methods, and how she balances her academic and artistic lives.
What are some elements that are important to your teaching philosophy? And has it changed over time? If so, how?
Let me start by saying that I am truly thrilled to receive this year’s Teaching Award and I’m feeling incredibly grateful for this recognition! Reflecting on my teaching philosophy, I find that my emphasis on providing practical tools, fostering independence, and nurturing camaraderie has been the basis of my teaching over time. I think my biggest goal as a teacher is to encourage independence. While guidance from teachers and mentors is invaluable, I believe it's essential for singers to deeply comprehend their craft. This is why I pose many thought-provoking questions during voice lessons, urging students to explore their sensations and perceptions to develop their unique artistic voice: What is your sensation when you sing like this? How do you perceive the sound? How will you recreate this on your own on days when you feel your voice is not cooperating?
I don’t believe in prescribed methods- I embrace the individuality of each voice and personality. Listening attentively has been a cornerstone of my teaching journey, allowing me to identify areas for improvement and tailor my approach accordingly. I remember when I started to work with my first voice students while being a student myself and wondering ‘how do I go about this’? Something I learned back then, and which is still true to this day: you have to listen. You do not need to have all the answers right away. If you listen carefully, the answers to how to help someone improve their singing will show themselves.
What do you want your students to leave your classroom/studio knowing?
Always be meticulously prepared and show up as the colleague you would want to encounter yourself. I aim to model the qualities of a great colleague, fostering a supportive environment where kindness and collaboration thrive. Never lose your curiosity and fun. A performance is only a very fleeting moment at the end of a long road of practice and preparation. Be curious in your explorations, be amazed by each small discovery, and no matter where your performance takes place – on a big opera stage, a small living room, and even – or especially at an audition – don't forget your joy of making music. How lucky are we to be working in music! Never ever forget that!
Can you share any examples of innovative or unconventional teaching methods you've used that have resonated particularly well with your students?
One of my innovative teaching methods involves infusing creativity into the often-dry subject of German diction. By encouraging students to apply linguistic rules in a musical context, incorporating German idioms and tongue twisters – which always lets everyone have a good laugh -, I create an engaging learning experience that resonates with my students.
How do you balance the demands of teaching with your own artistic and scholarly pursuits?
I feel so lucky to combine my teaching at the Schulich School of Music with my work as German Diction Coach at venues like San Francisco Opera, Houston Grand Opera, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Marlboro Music Festival. Balancing the two has been a rewarding challenge. Logistics can be challenging at times: At times I have taught online classes starting at 6:30 am and then went on to a long rehearsal day at the opera house until 10 pm at night. However, the synergy between teaching and professional engagements enriches both aspects of my career. My experiences with students inform my work with professional singers, while insights from the stage enhance my teaching repertoire. By working with professional singers on the opera stage, I am able to provide my students with invaluable advice about what will be expected from them once they leave the school to start their professional career. I feel that the combination of doing both keeps my mind fresh and engaged.
Receiving the Schulich School of Music Teaching Award is a humbling recognition of my dedication to excellence in music education. I am grateful for the opportunity to inspire the next generation of musicians and continue my journey of learning and growth in the world of music.
