Professor Colleen Mallette Q&A

Teaching in the MLA since:				2020
Specialty/Area of Research:				Voice Professor Author Clasically Trained Comedic Soprano
MLA Courses Taught:				Classical Music in Film Music as Protest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How many years have you been teaching in the MLA program and what class or classes have you taught?

I have been teaching in the MLA program for 4 years and offer Classical Music in Film and Music as Protest.

 

 

Tell us a little bit about your specialty or area of research?

I am a classically trained comedic soprano, voice professor, and author.

 

How does your background inform your teaching and scholarship?

HIGHER EDUCATION opened a vast creative world to me. The rigorous challenges and physical discipline required—hours alone in a practice room—allowed me to hone skills and connect to other musicians and appreciative audiences. It wasn't until later in life I realized these muscles could be used to navigate all of life. I teach with the assumption that every student has a unique point of view fostering fun talents that wants to be drawn out. 

 

How do you try to make the material in your class engaging considering most students complete their MLA degree 100% online?

I enjoy offering several exercises/assignments that either

1.  Allow students to engage one on one via chat or zoom that involves impromptu scenes and carry on a dialogue, or
2. Create scenarios that invite students to go far out with imagination. Playfulness begets problem solving. 

 

What is an interesting fact about yourself that you like to share with your students?

I have performed as a soloist in countries all over the world including Hungary, Scotland, and Canada.

 

 

Tell us about your most recent publication. 

My first book is entitled The Next Act: A Handbook for Graduating From Arts or Life.

 

"Those looking to navigate a career on stage or to be purely entertained will enjoy the operatic spoof The Lamaze School of Singing by Ms Mallette. This is her tour de force as an opera singer. Ms Mallette is a voice instructor, humorist, and author of The Next Act: A Handbook for Graduating from Arts or Life. The Dallas Observer noted her for having a “rapier wit and mesmerizing voice.” She is a three- time Touring Artist for Texas Commission on the Arts, Mid America Arts Alliance & former Musical Awakenings facilitator at The Cliburn. She most recently won Best in Week at the Austin HYDE PARK THEATRE Frontera Fest. Ms Mallette received her BM in Vocal Performance from Hardin-Simmons University and MM in Voice from the University of North Texas."