Célia Wollenberg

Style: World; Pop; Opera; Jazz; Folk; Gospel; Rock; Classical; Musical Theatre

Title: Voice Instructor

Bio: Célia Wollenberg serves on the voice faculties of the University of Central Oklahoma and Oklahoma City Community College. She previously taught at the University of Oklahoma, where she earned her B.M.A. with distinction, M.M., and D.M.A. in Vocal Performance. She also holds a degree in English Language and Civilizations from the University of Nice–Sophia Antipolis. As a young artist, she was selected through a national competition to participate in The Song Continues… at Carnegie Hall. Her principal teacher was Dr. Donna M. Cox, and she was fortunate to study briefly with the late Dr. Dolores Leffingwell, whose legacy continues to inspire her singing and research. Wollenberg has appeared in numerous opera and concert performances. Signature roles include Lakmé in Lakmé with OU Opera and Philine in Mignon with the Music Academy of the West. Recent performances include a duo recital with soprano Lorraine Ernest and pianist J.P. Murphy at the University of Oklahoma, and soprano soloist in Messiah with the Enid Symphony Orchestra. Wollenberg also serves as soloist and section leader at First Presbyterian Church of Norman, where she contributes regularly to the church’s vibrant music ministry, while maintaining an active presence in sacred and choral music. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes singing as a natural act of release—an extension of the body’s primal reflexes. Inspired by insights from Russian baritone Vladimir Chernov, she views singing as the sixth innate reflex, alongside laughing, crying, yawning, coughing, and vomiting. She guides students in discovering vocal freedom and expressive depth through emotional and mental engagement with music and text as interconnected elements of performance. Her recent research explores intersections between Western classical singing and devotional expression, particularly through the lens of Bhakti practice and the meditative power of Kirtan. These traditions inform her holistic approach to vocal performance, integrating spiritual intention and storytelling with technical and emotional freedom. She lives in Norman, Oklahoma, with her husband, son, and two cats.

Voice Type: Soprano

Music Styles Taught: World; Pop; Opera; Jazz; Folk; Gospel; Rock; Classical; Musical Theatre

Availability: I am available as a performer; I have a wait-list for private lessons; I accept students through a college or university program

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