Carmen Marlene earned a B.Mus. in Vocal Performance from the University of Victoria, a graduate Opera Diploma from Wilfrid Laurier University, and two A.R.C.T. Diplomas in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy from Toronto’s Royal Conservatory of Music.  Carmen has been regularly engaged in major stage productions, concerts, festivals and competitions, here and abroad, since the age of 11.  She received distinguished critical praise for the beauty of her voice and for her ability to deliver a commanding performance.  Audiences delighted in her charismatic and charming stage rapport.  As well, she is a proficient pianist.

 

Over the past 20 years, Carmen Marlene has been an active instructor in voice, piano, theory and drama.  She is comfortable in many genres, from Classical to Pop, Music Theatre, and Jazz-Blues.  She is comfortable too, teaching all ages from preschoolers to seniors, and teaching all levels from beginners to advanced.  Carmen has garnered much success preparing students for auditions, competitions, recitals, festivals, examinations, college and university entrance, amateur and professional performances; many of them earning high awards, marks and praise.  She evokes eager enthusiasm and superior work from her students. Her quality instruction combines a strong understanding of musical style with fundamental technical concepts while instilling a love and respect for Art. “My students are a gift to me.  They continually challenge me to discover new ways of unlocking the creative spirit.  It is an honor to nurture the talents of these aspiring artists!”

 

Carmen currently heads the world renown Yamaha Music Education Program at Tom Lee Music in Langford’s Milstream Village.  She also teaches out of her private studio.