Michele is a Canadian singer, voice teacher, and adjudicator currently based in the United States. She specializes in the music of Verdi and Puccini, having performed internationally for over 20 years in principal operatic roles. After graduating from the Dimon Institute in New York City in 2018, she was certified as a teacher of the Alexander Technique (AT) by the American Society for the Alexander Technique (AmSAT). Her work focuses on integrating AT principles and procedures into voice training. Her clientele includes emerging singers and professional operatic performers, and she has conducted workshops and lectures for various professional, student, and avocational groups.
Michele's most recent research, "Whispered Vowels for Singers," was published in The Alexander Journal in 2024. This article addresses the long-standing debate about the effectiveness of whispering as a voice-building tool for singers. While the whispered “ah” is a traditional Alexander Technique procedure, its use has been a point of contention among vocal professionals. The article examines current research and various pedagogical perspectives to explore the whispered “ah” from a singer-centric perspective. It proposes practical adaptations for singers, including the exploration of alternate vowels, emotional affect, and shifting vocal colour. The study also suggests specific exercises for the articulators (the tongue, jaw, and lips) to release tension or reintegrate adequate vocal tract tonus.
Research papers:
Capalbo, M. A. (2024). Whispered Vowels for Singers. The Alexander Journal, 29, 48-58. https://doi.org/10.15763/issn.2998-3509.2024.29.48-58