What Clients are Saying:

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“After our first session, listening back, I was surprised at the sounds that were happening since they had felt so easy—I assumed it would take longer to begin to experience a difference.”

—Erik Gow, Singer/Actor/Musician: Once, Les Miserables (Arts Club), DC’s Legends of Tomorrow (CW)

Professional Performers:

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“I always leave coachings with Courtenay feeling like a better singer than I did going in.

When facing moments in a song that feel challenging at first, Courtenay is full of tricks that make those moments easy.”

— Elodie Gillett, Singer/Actor: Jersey Boys (Original Toronto Cast), Stratford Festival, Shaw Festival

 

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“The quality of my voice as well as my confidence, not only as a technical singer, but as an overall performer, has improved immensely through training with Courtenay. He teaches with ease and knowledge. I would recommend him to anyone seeking vocal lessons. ”

— Sarah Dugdale, Actor/Singer. Featured roles on Fox, CW, Warner Bros, and CBS TV.

 

Professional Creatives:

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“As a choreographer and performer on Broadway, and the West End, I’d heard the standard advice about singing many times. Watching Courtenay work, though, convinced me that there are more effective ways for performers to find the strong “mix/belt voice” creative teams are looking for.

I’ve led several workshops with Courtenay, and it’s always impressive to see him coach. He quickly assesses and tweaks each singer’s technique, so they immediately experience better singing.

For myself, as I tried his warm-ups with the group, I felt a different kind of ease and clearer tone with my high notes, which I was not expecting. We all gained new, valuable approaches to singing in a short period of time. I also appreciated his ability to relate various concepts to dance technique.

It’s obvious that Courtenay has a passion for voice technique and understands it on a deep level. More importantly, he knows how to break that knowledge down into simple steps that anyone can apply. I give Courtenay my highest recommendation as a teacher.”

— Lisa Stevens, Broadway Choreographer and Performer. Chicago (West End), Bombay Dreams (Broadway), Disney's High School Musical (US Tour), 9 to 5 (1st National Tour)


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“I had the pleasure of working alongside Courtenay when he was the musical director for Grease at Studio 58. His passion for, together with his knowledge of vocal technique clearly rubbed off on the cast. In gentle and supportive, yet very specific ways, he helped so many of the students become stronger, more confident singers. Anyone looking for clear, tangible techniques to improve his or her voice would do well to coach with Courtenay.”

— Peter Jorgensen, Director. Avenue Q (Arts Club), Les Miserables (Chemainus), Floyd Collins, Light in the Piazza, Into the Woods, The Full Monty (Patrick Street Productions). Arts Club Music Theatre Intensive program director.


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“As a triple threat talent agency with clients that must act, dance and sing, Courtenay is one of our go-to coaches. He is skilled at dealing with singers of all calibres, assessing their needs, and making them feel comfortable with the art of singing whether it be for stage or screen.
We always receive strong feedback on his coachings.”

— Melissa Panton, Principal Agent at da Costa Talent Management

 

Pre-College Musical Theatre Students:

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“First, I got into NYU so yay!!

Courtenay helped me to prepare for auditions at various performing arts universities in the States. The vocal technique he introduced to me was extremely effective, and easy to learn through his informed and clear teaching style.

My lessons with Courtenay have allowed me to sing more easily and with better technique, and continue to thoroughly prepare me for whatever route my vocal and performing arts career takes me in the future.”

— Henya, Singer/Actor, Grade 12, NYU Tisch Class of .


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“Courtenay has made me a better and more confident singer. I really enjoy our sessions together and recommend him to anyone seeking to improve their singing.”

— Gabby, Grade 12. Dancer/Singer

 

College and Pre-College Educators:

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“For those of you considering a career in musical theatre, here is a wonderful opportunity to develop and discover the further potential of your singing voice.

Drawing on a wide range of technical pedagogies, Courtenay offers a diverse breadth of tools focused on nurturing the unique learning experience of each individual student.

His experience as a vocal coach, music director, and musician all add to his expertise in singing practice at a professional level.

If you want to get your voice in shape, build your confidence, get yourself audition ready…and have fun doing it, Courtenay is your guy!”

— Kevin Michael Cripps, Head of Singing, Guildford School of Acting, UK / Former Faculty Member, Capilano University Musical Theatre


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“Courtenay shows up with a balance of information and wisdom, and a tenacious curiosity about the workings of both voice and mind. He strives for excellence that is tempered with compassion. I can’t recommend him strongly enough.

— Andy Toth, Associate Artistic Director of Theatre & Music, Arts Umbrella.

Pop and Indie Performers:

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In only six months Courtenay has taught me that I am capable of singing with much more ease and nuance than I thought possible. My range and control have improved a great deal since I started.

— Emma Currie, Pop Singer/Songwriter

 

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Courtenay has an insight into precisely what my voice needs at a particular moment and – perhaps more importantly – is able to guide me to my goals lesson after lesson.

His understanding of the male registers has helped me blend through difficult ranges and hit high notes more confidently.

During my time with Courtenay, I’ve learned how to understand and explore my voice more than ever before.

— Jordan Raine, Singer/Songwriter


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I booked a lesson with Courtenay after moving to Vancouver to pursue my career in singing/songwriting/performing.

I was in the process of beginning recording my EP and Courtenay’s coaching helped me start building better technique, hone my performance of my own songs, and gain knowledge on healthy singing that I could use in shows and recording. I now have lessons that I can use in many different situations for my voice—including healthier everyday speaking.

— Carley Belfry, Singer/Songwriter

Pop and Indie Industry Pros:

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As director of a band that plays high-end corporate functions all over the Pacific Northwest and now worldwide, I require elite singers who can do more than just belt out a few high notes.

Our singers need to be able to sing high—sometimes extremely high notes—in many styles, without going flat, or sounding strained, and do so repeatedly, over a long evening.

We audition Canada-wide and, when we’re lucky, we find singers who can already do this, consistently. At other times, Courtenay’s ability to help coach singers, technically, for the demands of our shows has been crucial in helping our band maintain its vocal excellence.

I’ve known Courtenay for many years, and his dedication to voice technique and its teaching is fierce.

If you want to sing a bit better, there are probably lots of teachers who can get you started. If you want to become exceptional, I can’t think of anyone to recommend more highly than Mr. Ennis.

— Kelly Becker, Director of Entertainment, Famous Players Band. Clients include Mercedes Benz, Microsoft, Sun Microsystems, and the American Bar Association; recent engagements in Bejing, Barcelona, New York, and Maui.

Quotes from the Press on Courtenay’s Vocal and Musical Direction Work

“The four piece band, under the direction of Courtenay Ennis, rocks out as hard as the actors on stage.”

— Mark Robins, Vancouver Presents' review of Jesus Christ Superstar, 2017, URP Event Production

 

“The girl-group chorus’ doo-wop vocals are a constant strength of this production along with Courtenay Ennis’ fine four-piece band.”

— Jerry Wasserman, CBC review of Little Shop of Horrors, 2009, URP Event Production

“Musical director Courtenay Ennis leads a tight Kit Kat Orchestra, and his solo piano on the torchier numbers is rich and nuanced.”

— Katherine Monk, Georgia Straight review of Cabaret, 2005, URP Event Production

 

“The major reason I left the Centennial Theatre in such an upbeat mood was the way musical director Courtenay Ennis updated the score.

Kudos also to Ennis’ band who never lost the beat all night and switched styles seamlessly.”

— Martin Millerchip, North Shore News review of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, 2000, URP Event Production

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