Educator

  • Mean Girls - CUTC Kathy Murphy Student Production

    Carnaval - Lyric Theatre @ Illinois

    Under the Stars - Lyric Theatre @ Illinois (Assistant Director)

    Sweets by Kate- The Opera Theatre at Ohio State

    Opera on the Lake - The Opera Theatre at Ohio State

    My Favorite Sings: An Evening With Rodgers & Hammerstein - OSU Lyric & Opera Theatre

    Songs of Hope Concert Series- Washburn Opera Theatre

    Songs of Women Concert Series - Washburn Opera Theatre

    Songs of Love Concert Series - Washburn Opera Theatre

    Opera Gala - Washburn Opera Theatre

    Once Upon A Time - Washburn Opera Theatre

    Hänsel & Gretel - Washburn Opera Theatre

    Pirates of Penzance - Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Kansas

    Opera Gala - Washburn Opera Theatre

    Sweets by Kate - Washburn Opera Theatre

    Celebrating 100 Years of Leonard Bernstein- Washburn Opera Theatre

    Opera Scenes Program- Lyric Theatre @ Illinois • Staged scenes from Cosi Fan Tutte (Act I Duet, Recit, Trio) & La Cenerentola (Act 1)

  • The Happy Elf - CCT

    Newsies - CCT

    80th Celebration - Vaud-Villities Productions

    Santa’s Workshop - Vaud-Villities Productions

    Frog & Toad - Washburn Theatre

    Pirates of Penzance - GASS-Kan

    Songs of Hope Concert Series Washburn Opera Theatre

    Songs of Women Concert Series Washburn Opera Theatre

    Songs of Love Concert Series Washburn Opera Theatre

    Opera Gala 2020 Washburn Opera Theatre

    Once Upon A Time Washburn Opera Theatre

    Hänsel & Gretel Washburn Opera Theatre

    War Paint Washburn Theatre

    Opera Gala 2019 Washburn Opera Theatre

    Sweets by Kate Washburn Opera Theatre

    Celebrating 100 Years Of Leonard Bernstein Washburn Opera Theatre

    Ruddigore - Michigan Opera Theatre

    HMS Pinafore - Michigan Opera Theatre

    Pirates of Penzance - Michigan Opera Theatre

    Patience - Michigan Opera Theatre

  • In the studio, it is my job to create a fun, safe, and welcoming working environment where vocalists feel the freedom to try new things without judgment. Lessons need to be filled with laughter for their honest voice to come through and to allow them to be comfortable with new techniques.

    Through physical and vocal exercises, singers embark on a journey to discover and unleash their unique instruments. Technique is honed through repetition and a solid grasp of the voice-body connection, bridging different genres and empowering vocalists with full control over their classical, musical theatre, and contemporary voices.

    Singers must grow as people and as artists during their tenure of study. Cultivating vocalists as learners and as empowered individuals allows for their unique voice and life experiences to come through in their performances.

    This cross-disciplinary approach cultivates understanding, learning, and personal growth, as singers evolve into versatile performers. Those in voice lessons receive comprehensive training as health-conscious, scientifically-informed performers, empowering them to make artistic choices beyond the studio.

  • National Association of Teachers of Singing

    The Jazz Education Network

    Sigma Alpha Iota

    Pi Kappa Lambda

    The National Opera Association

    National Society of Arts & Letters

    Estill Voice Training®

  • Dr. Brooks has had the privilege of teaching a diverse range of students, that go on to be established professionals working within their chosen industry.

    Students regularly place within the NATS Auditions for Classical, Musical Theatre, and the new Commercial Music Categories. They also been Marquee Finalists (within the Jimmy Award), and attend prestigious young artist programs such as The Song Book Academy, Interlochen, etc.

    With her guidance and mentoring, students affiliated with the studio have gone on to be accepted into some of the top Music and Theatre programs in the country for their bachelor, masters or doctorates. Some of these programs include Indiana University, New York University, University of California Los Angles, Carnegie Mellon, University of Southern California, Vanderbilt University, Miami Frost School of Music, The Ohio State University, Villanova University, Ball State University, and The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Dr. Lara Brooks is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Voice at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she teaches across a diverse range of vocal genres, including classical, musical theatre, jazz, and contemporary commercial music (CCM). Dr. Brooks employs the Estill Voice Method to guide her students toward healthy, empowered crossover singing, emphasizing vocal flexibility and technique that supports a broad range of styles.

In addition to her academic role, Dr. Brooks is an active music and stage director, frequently sought after in the regional theatre and opera companies. Her directing work spans both opera and musical theatre, where she integrates her extensive pedagogical knowledge with a unique artistic vision to create compelling, dynamic performances.

As a contemporary voice specialist, Dr. Brooks is dedicated to advancing vocal pedagogy through workshops and presentations on flexible voice technique and cross-training. She has led sessions at esteemed international conferences, including the International Congress of Voice Teachers in Stockholm and Vienna, the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), Estill Voice World Symposium, the National Opera Association, and the Jazz Education Network. Her workshop topics, such as “Crossing Genres: A Classical Singer’s Guide to Jazz”, “Healthy Belting Techniques for Classical Singers”, and “Utilizing EVT for Healthy Jazz Voice Pedagogy”, address the intersection of classical and contemporary techniques, equipping singers with the tools needed to navigate diverse musical styles. Most recently, she presented at the 2025 Illinois High School Theatre Fest, focusing on applying Estill Voice Training to create a healthy Pop/Rock Sound.

Dr. Brooks has served as a guest clinician at universities, high schools, and music schools across the United States, Canada, and Europe. She is deeply committed to fostering the development of aspiring musicians, guiding them through rigorous training that prepares them for successful professional careers. Dr. Brooks has the privilege of teaching a diverse range of students, that go on to be established professionals working within their chosen industry. Her students regularly place in the NATS Auditions in Classical, Musical Theatre, and Commercial Music categories, Finalists within the regional Jimmy Awards, as well as attend prestigious young arts program / training programs such as The Song Book Academy, Interlochen, Arts Bridge, amount others.

Under her mentorship, students have gained acceptance into top-tier music and theatre programs across the country, including New York University, the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, the University of California, Los Angeles, Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Southern California, and the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, among others.

Driven by a profound passion for functional voice and pedagogy, Dr. Brooks actively fosters an environment where vocalists are encouraged to explore the full spectrum of musical genres, empowering them to emerge as vocal athletes. Her research pursuits revolve around the continual enhancement of school of music curricula, aiming to align educational programs with the dynamic industry demands faced by vocalists and the ever-evolving landscape of music.

Before joining the University of Illinois, Dr. Brooks held positions as Lecturer of Voice and Director of Opera at The Ohio State University, and served as the Voice Area Chair and Director of Opera Studies at Washburn University. She has also taught at the University of Illinois Springfield, Friends University, Millikin University, and was a faculty member at CCT in Columbus, Ohio. Additionally, Dr. Brooks served as the Vocal Coach and Music Director at the Michigan Opera Theatre (now Detroit Opera House), for their operetta workshops.

Dr. Brooks was a 2023 NATS Intern and is also an Estill Master Trainer within Estill Voice Training®. She holds a Bachelor in Music Vocal Performance and Bachelor of Music Education, cum laude, from Central Michigan University, a Masters in Music Vocal Performance and Literature and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz Performance, Voice from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

To inquire about engaging Dr. Brooks for a lecture on technique, healthy singing, stylistic interpretation, audition preparation, acting the song, and choral workshops please submit an inquiry. To schedule a voice lesson, please click the book a lesson link below.

What students are saying!

  • Taylor Molt

    Actor/Singer/Writer MA Theatre Villanova University

    Over the past five years that I have worked with Dr. Brooks, she has helped me to grow my voice stronger, healthier and more confident than I could have imagined before. Her enthusiasm and passion for educating and coaching is inspiring, and I always look forward to our lessons. I can confidently say that I am a braver and better performer because I studied under her.

  • Eric Sand

    Eric Sand

    Actor/Singer/Teaching Artist MM & Advanced Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy, New York University

    Dr. Brooks has been such a gem to find here in central Ohio after returning from many years away in NYC and LA. She is incredibly knowledgeable, easy to communicate with, very responsive, and is helping me feel even stronger in my own vocal coordination. What I appreciate the most is that she is friendly and approachable. Kindness and trust goes a long way in this business!

  • Singer

    Jordan Popovsky

    Singer BA in Vocal Performance 2025 The Ohio State University

    I have been taking lessons with Dr. Brooks for almost three years now and have grown exponentially in my singing abilities since freshman year. For my degree, I focus on classical singing, but I also love cross training in areas such as contemporary, musical theatre and jazz, which Dr. Brooks has always supported me. Working with Dr. Brooks has been such a wonderful experience. She is progressive, ambitious, and driven to be involved in all types of things, from jazz to classical singing to music directing! I appreciate her ambition and effort to be well rounded, because I am the same way and that encourages me to keep going with all the things I am involved in.

    Dr. Brooks is a wonderful teacher and a wonderful human. She will push you, but she will never make you feel bad or hopeless if you can't get something right. She sees the potential in everyone and is willing to try different teaching styles and methods to find what makes the most sense to her students. Overall, I feel privileged to have Dr. Brooks as my teacher, and I would recommend any singer of any level to work with her.

  • Ava Gilley

    Singer BME The Ohio State University 2027

    Dr. Brooks is an extraordinary voice teacher and artistic mentor that has helped me develop my musical abilities in several different genres as a student at The Ohio State. As a Music Education major, I am required to be trained in classical music, but have a deep interest in jazz vocals. She continuously supports my increasing interests in jazz while ensuring I gain a thorough education in classical music, going above and beyond to recommend additional lessons with other faculty to create a better understanding of jazz as a genre. Dr. Brooks' musical knowledge and mastery of contrasting genres has been ideal for my educational pursuits at The Ohio State; I couldn't have wished for a better mentor!

  • Julia Ruddy

    Singer/Actor BM University of Southern California 2027

    I feel so fortunate to have Dr. Brooks as a teacher. Dr. Brooks encourages cross training in the voice studio, where she teaches me to sing musical theatre and classical repertoire in a healthy way. She was instrumental in my acceptance at USC Thornton to study vocal performance and opera as an undergraduate. I couldn't have achieved everything that I have without her valuable help!

  • Madison Meeks

    Singer/Educator Masters of Music Kansas State University

    Lessons with Dr. Brooks are very enjoyable! During lessons she the student the ability to ask multiple questions. She always gives direct and positive feedback while finding ways to describe techniques that relates to each student. It’s always been a comfortable environment and I look forward to my lessons every week!

  • Karen Cook Sahlin

    Singer/Actor

    Dr. Brooks provided me with a safe environment to help me discover all the things my voice is capable of. She has an endless source of ideas and resources to achieve the best results. I always leave my lessons feeling like I can sing anything, and feeling like I can do it healthily. I would recommend Dr. Brooks to anyone who wants to grow as an artist, from beginners to professionals!