FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR | D.M.A. IN VOCAL PERFORMANCE

Dr. José Miguel Santelices is a Chilean-American tenor, stage director, and educator whose work connects performance, vocal pedagogy, and artistic leadership. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance from the University of Utah, with a related field in Opera Production and Direction, a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of South Florida, and a Bachelor of Arts in Music from St. Lawrence University.

An active performer and advocate for Hispanic and Spanish-language repertoire, Dr. Santelices brings professional stage experience into a teaching approach that is individualized, evidence based, and artistically engaged. He currently directs Opera Workshop and teaches applied voice at Dallas College, where he works with singers developing both technical foundations and stage experience.

At VOCES, Dr. Santelices conducts every Initial Vocal Assessment. He listens to each student's goals and vocal needs, then recommends the lesson plan and faculty placement most likely to support that singer's development. He teaches in English and Spanish.

Private study with Dr. Santelices is offered separately at a different rate. His private studio is currently full, and new students may request waitlist consideration.

VOICE FACULTY AND CHORAL DIRECTOR | M.M. IN VOCAL PERFORMANCE | CCM VOCAL PEDAGOGY

Priscilla López-Lemoine is a voice teacher and choral educator with nearly two decades of experience working with singers of different ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music from Texas Woman's University and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Southern Methodist University.

Priscilla has completed all three levels of the CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute at Shenandoah Conservatory, giving her specialized preparation in the healthy teaching of contemporary commercial music. Her experience spans classical, pop, jazz, mariachi, musical theatre, and other contemporary styles, allowing her to support students seeking both technical health and stylistic versatility.

In addition to teaching at VOCES, Priscilla teaches Music Appreciation at Dallas College and serves as a head choir director at a Garland ISD high school. Her ensembles have earned excellent and superior ratings at festivals and contests. She brings the organization of an experienced director together with a warm, encouraging approach to individual singers.

Priscilla's VOCES studio is currently full, and new students may request waitlist consideration.

VOICE FACULTY AND CHORAL CONDUCTOR | M.M. IN VOICE PERFORMANCE AND CHORAL CONDUCTING

Matthew Davis is an accomplished classical baritone, voice teacher, and choral conductor whose rare combination of solo performance training, choral leadership, and more than a decade of classroom and ensemble experience allows him to understand singers from multiple perspectives. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Vocal Performance, as well as a second master’s degree in Choral Conducting, all from Illinois State University.

With more than 12 years of choral teaching experience and more than four years of private voice instruction, Matthew helps singers build healthy, reliable technique while becoming more confident and independent musicians. His teaching connects vocal coordination with breath, resonance, diction, phrasing, score preparation, ensemble awareness, and expressive communication.

Students studying with Matthew benefit from a teacher who understands what solo singing requires, what conductors listen for, and how strong musicianship can transform a performance. His background is especially valuable for classical singers, choral singers, and students preparing for auditions, competitions, school or community performances, collegiate study, and other demanding musical opportunities.