2026 East Haven Mini-Conference

New Haven Academy of Performing Arts , 597 Main St, East Haven, CT 06512

FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2026 (1pm-6:30pm)

1-2:30pm – Dean Kaelin: Teaching the First Lesson and Finding Mix Quickly

Discussing the keys to an amazing first lesson that will make sure they come back for more! How to assess each voice and pick the perfect exercises to help the student feel a big and immediate difference to get them started right off on the right track.

2:30-3:45pm – Curt Stock: Voice Physiology (How Mix Works)

As a singer, and teacher, it’s sometimes hard to know when medical intervention might be necessary for a singer. In this fascinating presentation, Dr. Stock will explore the physiology of the singing voice, revealing what he believes is the single most important anatomical structure every singer should understand. Through practical insight and real-world application, attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how the voice functions and why this knowledge is so critical for vocal longevity and recovery.

He will also discuss common vocal pathologies singers may encounter, including potential causes, preventative strategies, and approaches to healing and rehabilitation when problems arise. This session is designed to empower singers, teachers, and voice professionals with knowledge that can help protect the voice, improve vocal health awareness, and support informed decisions when medical intervention becomes necessary.

3:45-4pm – Snack break

4-5:15pm – Dean Kaelin: “Do You Hear What I Hear?” Analyzing and Working with Voices

Analyzing voices, recognizing potential problem areas and sticking points and choosing the best exercises then applying these new feelings to songs so the singer feels an immediate improvement. Master Class – working with actual voice volunteers.

5:15-6:30pm – Teri Stock: Voice Care

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2026 (9am-6pm)

9-10am: Billy DiCrosta and Nick Fuentes- From Front Porch to Full Stage (How to Build a Vocal Business)

How does a tiny one-teacher voice studio on the front porch of a home eventually grow into one of Connecticut’s largest performing arts academies, immersive theaters, and nonprofit community outreach programs?

Join Billy DiCrosta & Neil Fuentes of New Haven Academy of Performing Arts and Cabaret on Main Theater in this real-world, heartfelt, funny, honest, and inspiring conversation about the real journey behind building something meaningful in the arts.

They’ll talk about growth, creativity, partnership, reinvention, and building something bigger than you ever imagined possible, and share their story: how it all began, risks they took, how they grew from one teacher to a full academy, balancing artistry and business, building community, and what they’ve learned along the way.

10-11:30am: Kerrie Obert – Open is Not Better! Using Essential Narrowing to Create the Sound You’re After (Zoom) – Whether you teach or sing MIX/belt, contemporary styles, or Opera, this session will completely change the way you think about resonance and vocal efficiency. In this class we will explore: Vocal tract shaping, common misconceptions about the voice, boosting sound energy, the role of pharyngeal constrictors, and creating enhanced resonance across styles.

11:30am-1pm – Mark Baxter #1: Vocalpalooza 

Did you know there are other melodies besides the Rossini scale?  Haha – of course you do!  But we all can get stuck in procedural ruts.  Allow me to fill your pedagogical tool bag with ideas and inspirations. This presentation will be jam-packed with interesting vocal exercises to challenge your students and keep your teaching fresh. 

1-2pm: lunch break

2-3:15pm: Mary Saunders-Barton: Training the Triple Threat

The vocal skill required for a successful career in musical theatre today is worlds removed from what was expected 40 years ago. To be competitive and stay competitive, musical theatre actors must have resilient flexible voices with enough stamina to survive eight shows a week and come out swinging! The singing voice needs to “speak” from the lowest to the highest note in a finely tuned balance between treble and bass qualities. Encouraging playfulness and imaginative choices in a dramatic context can help take the fear out of the process.

3:15-4:30pm: Mary Saunders-Barton Master Class – Working with Voices

4:30-6pm: Mark Baxter #2: Split-Second Singing

Every vocal sound is determined before phonation. In this presentation, we’ll turn back the clock to understand the influences affecting vocal behaviors from a split-second before singing, a minute, an hour, a day . . . right back to birth.  With simple solutions for each phase. Afterwards, you’ll never listen to a student struggle without hearing the song by Sister Sledge – “We Are History, I got all my baggage with me!”