Bradley Williard

Style: Opera; Classical; Musical Theatre

Title: Professor of Voice

Bio:

• D.M.A. University of Kentucky • M.M. Manhattan School of Music • B.M. University North Carolina School of the Arts

Dr. Bradley Williard is the founder and creator of The Williard Method™, which uses a somatic voice-breath-body integration principles that are founded in his scientific research, and his own vocal awakening.

Dr. Williard’s approach looks at voice quality as a reflection of the unique coordination between breath, body, and heart. His research shows that in order for this coordination to work most efficiently and effectively, one must come into relationship with the Self, embrace vulnerability as strength, and begin developing a self-confidence that is grown from the open-heart. Only then can they discover and express their true authentic voice and natural state of Being.

Dr. Williard trained at the Ilse Middendorf Institute for the Perceptible Breath® in Berlin, Germany, and is certified in the Principle of Breathing Coordination by Carl Stough. His breathing mentors have included John Norris and Hiltrud Lampe in Berlin, and Lynn Martin of Breathing Coordination in New York. Dr. Williard is second generation lineage of the methods and teachings of Ilse Middendorf, Carl Stough, and Irene Dowd.

Dr. Williard has traveled and studied the wisdom traditions of Peru, Mexico, and India, as well as a variety of Native American communities. He has worked intimately with healers from all over the world, and values deeply his relationships with the Elders from those traditions who continue to guide him.

Dr. Bradley Williard holds a doctorate from the University of Kentucky as well as degrees from Manhattan School of Music and UNC School of the Arts. He has served on the administration of both Manhattan School of Music and The Juilliard School, as well as voice faculty for Mars Hill University. He has served as breathing specialist and lecturer for UNC School of the Arts, NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Rutgers University, UNC Chapel Hill, Northern Kentucky University, Eastern Kentucky University, Haverford University, Gardner Webb University, Asburn University, and Ouachita Baptist University. He has also served on the voice faculty of Mars Hill University. He has conducted workshops for National Public Radio, and has a private healing practice in Asheville, NC, working with university voice faculty members, singers, public speakers, authors, entrepreneurs, leaders, coaches, and unheard voices.

Dr. Williard’s breathwork students have performed on the stages of Teatro alla Scala, Opéra Bastille, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Washington National Opera, San Francisco Opera, Santa Fe Opera, San Diego Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, Dallas Opera, Glimmerglass Festival, Carnegie Hall, Kungliga Opera Stockholm, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Portland Opera, Chautauqua Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, Palm Beach Opera, and Aspen Opera Center to name a few. They have become finalists and semi-finalists of the Houston Grand Opera Studio and Ryan Opera Center Ensemble of Lyric Opera of Chicago, as well as district and regional winners of the Metropolitan Opera National Council. They have also advanced onto prestigious vocal programs such as Royal College of Music London, Manhattan School of Music, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Indiana University, New England Conservatory, University of Michigan, Peabody Conservatory, NYU Tisch, UNC School of the Arts – A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute, Boston University, Louisiana State University, as well as the Miami Wagner Institute, San Francisco Opera’s Merola Program, Music Academy of the West, and Marilyn Horn’s “The Songs Continues”.

Dr. Williard’s continuing research looks at how the area of voice can benefit from cultivating a deeper relationship with the breath, body and heart, and how that relationship can shift the area of voice towards a healing model for the voice, rather than a success model for the stage.

Voice Type: Bass

Music Styles Taught: Opera; Classical; Musical Theatre

Availability: I am available as a performer; I have a wait-list for private lessons; I am currently accepting private students; I am available as a clinician or presenter; I offer lessons in a group environment; I accept students through a college or university program

Contact Information