Vocal Specialist Akiko Otao Shares her Expertise with Students Through ISKL’s Inspire Program

I’m so glad I had the opportunity to learn from someone with so much skill, professionalism, and amazing energy, shared Eva G., Grade 12, IASAS Vocals team captain and four-year music IASAS delegate.

Eva was reflecting on her recent coaching sessions with Akiko Otao, a Singapore-based soprano and educator who visited ISKL through an Inspire Programs grant to work with vocalists and choirs across Middle and High School. 

ISKL’s Middle and High School music teachers Tracy Caton and Jaymin Baird saw the value and impact that coaching sessions with Ms. Otao could offer students and secured the grant to make it happen. A voice faculty member at The School of the Arts (SOTA) and LASALLE College of the Arts, Ms. Otao led individual coaching sessions, ensemble rehearsals, and a Middle School choir camp during her visit in November.

Personalized Coaching for the IASAS Vocals team

Ms. Otao worked one-on-one with every IASAS Vocals team member, focusing on each student’s specific goals and challenges. For Christi S., a Grade 12 student and third-year delegate, that included revisiting the fundamentals. After struggling to sustain high notes despite trying a range of exercises, Christi found a simple technical shift made a real difference.

“By making sure my tongue was completely loose, I have been able to hit the notes more consistently than I have before,” Christi said.

This technical foundation gave students tools they could use when practicing on their own. Eva appreciated that practical approach. “She helped me discover a stronger and more confident voice by refining my technique and giving me specific things to practice on my own, which have already shown to be immensely helpful,” she shared.

Preparing for IASAS Competition

The High School IASAS team tackled two challenging pieces during their rehearsal time: a traditional sea shanty and the haunting choral piece "There Will Come Soft Rains" by acclaimed composer Ēriks Ešenvalds. Ms. Otao's coaching balanced technical precision with enthusiasm, giving students an extra boost as they prepare for competition and upcoming concerts.

Working with Middle and High School Choirs

Ms. Otao led sessions with each choir, introducing new warm-up exercises and working through concert repertoire. The High School Tenor/Bass Choir rehearsed "Loch Lomond," while the Soprano/Alto Chamber Choir focused on “Beauty is Before Me."

During a dedicated choir camp, Middle School students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 prepared their December concert pieces under Ms. Otao's guidance, with High School students serving as section leaders and facilitating team-building activities.

Exposure to International Specialists

Guest artists like Ms. Otao bring different perspectives to campus and connect students with working professionals in various fields. Inspire Programs makes these visits possible, enabling students to learn from top global and regional experts they might not otherwise have exposure to.

Whether working individually with Ms. Otao or learning alongside their peers, choir students at every level of Middle and High School benefited. Grade 6 choir members experienced practical professional-level coaching, while Grade 12 IASAS team leaders refined skills they'll carry into their musical future. 

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