Finding A VOICE THAT NOURISHES YOU
The study of voice is a deeply vulnerable, challenging, and rewarding pursuit. Few artistic practices reveal more about a person: their habits, fears, instincts, discipline, identity, and capacity for trust.
There are those just beginning — trying to understand their instrument and discover what kind of artist they may become. On the other end, some singers have had wonderful teachers and continue seeking fresh perspective, greater consistency, new artistic challenges, or a more sustainable relationship to singing as their careers evolve.
And yes, others have been talked down to, dismissed, or made to feel that struggling simply meant they “weren’t doing it correctly” within rigid teaching environments that left little room for individuality or lived experience.
I know all of these experiences personally, and I have very little interest in recreating the latter for someone else.
Singing is not one-size-fits-all. Voices, bodies, personalities, histories, and artistic goals vary far too much for that. Good teaching requires technical understanding, curiosity, flexibility, listening, and the ability to adapt to the human being in front of you.
Wherever you may find yourself in the process, all are welcome in my studio.
Meet Dr. Wes
I’m Dr. Robert Wesley Mason, a singer, teacher, actor, and songwriter originally from Norfolk, Virginia. Before opera became my profession, I grew up playing in local rock bands and learning music by ear, experiences that still shape the way I think about voice, storytelling, and performance.
My work has taken me through opera houses, theaters, festivals, classrooms, dive bars, and abandoned warehouses across the U.S. and beyond. Along the way, I’ve become increasingly interested in the intersection of technical craft, psychology, physicality, and honest human expression.
Alongside performing, I’ve taught singers ranging from complete beginners to working professionals through university teaching, private instruction, festivals, and arts outreach programs. What interests me most is helping people build a voice that is not only technically functional, but sustainable, expressive, and genuinely connected to who they are.
© Coleman Photographix
Student Reflections
“Wes transformed my approach to breath support and vowel placement, making my voice not only more powerful but also more sustainable.”
“I now achieve greater consistency and fullness in my sound across my entire range.”
“With Wes’ s help, I was able to bring my aria to the next dramatic level. He encouraged me to push myself and think outside the box while creating a fun, comfortable environment.”
“Wes creates a supportive space where I can explore my voice, take risks, and embrace the growth that comes with imperfection.”
“I came away with tools that made belting feel accessible and sustainable while shifting my mindset to welcome the challenges needed for vocal growth.”
“Wes offers unique insights into vocal writing, helping me understand how to craft pieces that feel natural for singers while expanding my compositional skills.”
Credentials & Awards
🎓 DMA & Bachelor’s in Voice Performance – University of Michigan
🎓 Artist Diploma – Academy of Vocal Arts
🏆 Sullivan Foundation Career Development Award
🏆 Loren L. Zachary Society Competition Finalist
🏆 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions (Regional Winner)
🏆 Opera Index Competition Finalist
Performance work has included 20 years of leading roles, new-work premieres, and interdisciplinary experimental work with opera companies, theaters, and festivals across the U.S. as well as internationally, from opera to musical theatre to contemporary music, and devised performance in more than ten languages.
Teaching both In Person (New York City)
and Virtually ONLINE
Lessons, Role Preparation, Repertoire Building, Audition Strategy & Dramatic Coaching
