Mel Braun

About

Mel Braun is Professor and Voice Area Head at the Desautels Faculty of Music, University of Manitoba, where he leads the vocal program and acts as music director for the operatic ensembles. He also coordinates the Faculty's innovative Contemporary Opera Lab projects, bridging traditional and contemporary operatic practices. Mel holds a BMus and MMus from the University of Toronto, as well as a Church Music Degree from Canadian Mennonite Bible College, giving him comprehensive training across multiple musical traditions. As a performer, he has been heard across Canada in the masterworks of Bach and Handel, appearing with prestigious ensembles including Tafelmusik, the Calgary Bach Festival, Symphony Nova Scotia, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, and Pro Coro Edmonton. What makes Mel unique among classical voice professors is his embrace of contemporary styles - he enjoys teaching many of the young rock singers that make up Winnipeg's burgeoning Indie Music scene, bringing classical technique to contemporary applications. Braun is an in-demand adjudicator and choral clinician throughout Canada, sharing his expertise with singers and conductors at festivals and workshops. His teaching philosophy emphasizes versatility, encouraging students to develop solid technical foundations that serve them across all musical styles from Baroque to contemporary indie rock.

Education & Qualifications

BMus and MMus from University of Toronto, Church Music Degree from Canadian Mennonite Bible College

Teaching Styles