A PLACE FOR VOICES TO GROW
About VOCES Academy of the Arts
A Garland-based voice academy built around expert instruction, individualized development, artistic community, and the belief that every voice deserves to be understood.
Our Purpose
VOCES Academy of the Arts was founded to create the kind of training environment singers deserve: technically informed, artistically engaged, personally attentive, and genuinely welcoming.
Our students include children, teens, and adults with widely different experiences and ambitions. Some are taking their first lesson. Some are returning to a part of themselves they set aside years ago. Some are preparing for auditions, roles, collegiate study, competitions, or professional work. Each receives a path shaped around the voice and person in front of us.
To help singers understand their voices and use them with confidence.
What We Believe
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Training should respond to the singer's anatomy, history, perception, goals, and musical identity rather than force every student through the same formula.
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A student should leave lessons with more than corrected notes. We want singers to understand what they are doing, recognize productive coordination, and practice with greater confidence between sessions.
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Healthy vocal function supports communication, style, language, imagination, and the freedom to make meaningful artistic choices.
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Concerts and community experiences give training a purpose while respecting each student's readiness and goals.
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Advanced standards do not require an intimidating environment. Curiosity, patience, humor, accountability, and encouragement all belong in serious training.
Founded by Dr. José Miguel Santelices
VOCES was founded by Dr. José Miguel Santelices, a Chilean-American tenor, stage director, educator, and arts leader. His background in vocal performance, opera production, teaching, and international artistic work shaped an academy model that connects evidence-based technique with the realities of rehearsal, performance, and individual artistic development.
As the academy has grown, Dr. Santelices has expanded the VOCES faculty while preserving a careful assessment and placement process. He personally conducts every Initial Vocal Assessment, then recommends the teacher and plan best suited to the student's needs and current availability.
Rooted in Garland, Connected Beyond It
VOCES offers in-person voice lessons in Garland, Texas, and welcomes students from Sachse, Wylie, Richardson, Rowlett, Plano, Dallas, and surrounding communities. Online lessons extend the academy's training to singers beyond North Texas.
Through two main concerts each year, community experiences, adult 21+ karaoke nights, and support for organizations such as Atchley Opera, VOCES creates connections between private study and a larger artistic life.
Our Commitment
Every VOCES instructor holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance or higher. Every new student begins with an assessment. Every training plan is chosen thoughtfully. And every singer, regardless of age or starting point, is treated as someone whose voice is worth developing.