Professional singer to host coaching session open to all students

Soprano Elana Galván will visit Nova Southeastern University for an open coaching on Oct. 24 at 4 p.m. at the University Center, room 310.

“Open coaching is a type of masterclass,” Bill Adams, professor in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts, said. “Student singers will sing in front of an audience and be given professional feedback from the coach.Then the students will attempt to integrate the feedback into their performances while the coach and singer encourages and prompts them.”

Adams is excited to invite Galván to be the coach leading this open coaching at NSU.

“She came from a friend of a friend and I’m thrilled to have her. I just read her reviews and see that she’s an absolutely amazing

COURTESY OF ELANA GALVÁN. Galván performing in Le nozze di Figaro with the Hawaii Opera Theatre, 2020.

artist,” Adams said. “She’s also teaching across the street at Broward College, so I know her by reputation only.”

Galván is a Mexican-American soprano. She recently debuted at the Hawaii Opera Theatre and has won multiple awards such as the Nate and Nora Schoenfeld Award and the Bea and Irving Solomon Award.

“I’m really excited to be coming to NSU for a little open coaching,” Galván said. “So excited to see what the students are like and what the school is like.”

Galván will work with several singers including NSU student Julia Marn, senior theater major, who will present a song. The event is open to the public.

“Elena will work with Julia and will be giving her pointers from her professional perspective,” Adams said. “I’m hoping that she’ll demonstrate during the event, and you’ll hear her voice. We have lots of female student singers and I want them to hear how strong her soprano can sound.”

Galván hopes to teach students based on their musical needs and their desire to grow in skill.

“That’s kind of the beauty of open coaching. You sort of meet each student and sometimes it’s just simply getting them used to being up in front of an audience and getting the habit of getting up there and getting comfortable and let their voice to come out. So it really depends on the student, which is what I love about it. It’s very tailored to where they are and what they’re presenting,” Galván said.

For more information:

Contact Dr. Bill J. Adams at wadams@nova.edu.