Kathryn Riopel

Kathryn Riopel is a singer, actor, and dancer from Chicago, IL. After receiving her Bachelor of Music in Voice and Opera Performance and Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Northwestern University, she relocated to Montreal and earned her Master of Music in Voice and Opera Performance from the Schulich School of Music. 

Kathryn has performed in operas, musicals, concerts, and over a dozen dance productions! While studying at Northwestern University, she performed in The Adventures of King Pausole as Mirabelle, Die Fledermaus as Ida, and with Chicago Opera Theater in The Life and Death(s) of AlanTuring. She originated the role of Laura in "The Other Place," a new musical (you can listen on Spotify!).  At McGill University, she took charge as the Assistant Director and Assistant Choreographer in And The World Goes 'Round, where she was able to lead music, staging, and choreography rehearsals. She appeared as Madame Z in Brother 12, a new rock opera in Théâtre St. Catherine. She originated the title role in Jéhanne with Opera Quest Victoria and Aphrodite in The Sapphic Passion with Sapphonix Collective.

Outside of performing, Kathryn has a studio of voice students online. She has worked with students on classical, musical theater, jazz, pop, and bluegrass singing. With experience in concert/marching percussion and as choir section leader at First Presbyterian Church of Deerfield, Chicago Temple Church and currently at Ascension of Our Lord Church, she can also work with students on solfège, sight reading, and rhythm.

She was a Vocal Finalist in the Bel Canto Foundation Competition in Chicago, IL, a semi-finalist in the prestigious Wirth Vocal Prize Competition at McGill University, and finalist in the Opera Birmingham Competition. 

Kathryn is a positive and energetic teacher! With a dance background, she incorporates the whole body into singing and text expression. As a percussionist and choral singer, she emphasizes listening, rhythmic accuracy, and feeling of pulse. While giving helpful feedback and critique, you will surely gain a teacher that will cheer you on.