Dr. Evelyn Reynolds
"her teaching career reflects that unique hybrid in which a magnificent artist becomes a magnificent teacher"
The Teacher
Evelyn Reynolds is the embodiment of the Golden Age of Singing, known as Bel Canto. Both by training, experience, and longevity, she has mastered the technique for breath control, which is the foundation of singing. She incorporates her knowledge of the anatomy of the vocal organs with creative, conceptual images, mindful that the vocal instrument is inside the body, cannot be seen, and is, therefore, the most difficult to train. While other teachers talk about the importance of breath support, Dr. Reynolds actively demonstrates how it occurs, its connection to the open throat, and the continuous flow of air upon which the vocal sound floats, resulting in beautiful and healthy singing.
Similar to Caruso and Tetrazzini, she is expert in mastery of the tongue, tone emission and attack, as well as the speaking voice in relationship to the singing voice. Similar to Lilli Lehman, she teaches the importance of the nasal cavity for resonance, and equalizing the voice through its registers, from the chest voice through the head voice in one continuous sound. She emphasizes the importance of the shape of the mouth, the connection of vowels, and the importance of using the core abdominal and diaphragmatic muscles when practicing.
In the 21st century the term Bel Canto is either misunderstood or completely unknown to young singers. An Italian musical term, it refers to the art and science of vocal technique that originated in the 16th century, reaching its pinnacle in the early 19th century. It focused on perfect evenness throughout the voice, skillful legato, a lighter upper register, tremendous agility and flexibility, and an unusual but unmistakable lyric timbre. Today, this technique has been rediscovered by all genres of music. It gives the singer much longer performing life, a more pleasing voice, and far greater musical flexibility. Therefore, it is only natural that the rediscovery of this time-tested teaching approach has also led to the rediscovery of the legendary Evelyn Reynolds.
Dr. Reynold’s teaching career reflects that unique hybrid in which a magnificent artist becomes a magnificent teacher. Based upon her vocal and performing gifts, the University of Illinois invited her to serve as “visiting artist” where she taught and performed in oratorio and recital for three years, then was appointed as Associate Professor, for the next seven years. She also taught and performed in Austria, France and Sweden. In honor of her work, Concordia College in Bronxville, New York bestowed an honorary Mus. D. as an Artist, Teacher, and Benefactor of the Arts. Her training came from Ralph Errolle, Lola Fletcher, Dr. Hollace E. Arment, William Vennard, Oren Brown, George Lawner, Lloyd Walzer, Mac Harrell, Paul Ulanowsky, John Wustman, and Pierre Bernac.