Lara Brooks

Dr. Lara Brooks is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Voice at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, specializing in vocal pedagogy across classical, musical theatre, jazz, and contemporary commercial music (CCM). She employs the Estill Voice Method to teach vocal flexibility and technique, emphasizing genre crossover. Her research and presentations focus on female composers like Lori Laitman and innovative vocal techniques.

Education: DMA in Jazz Performance (UIUC), MM in Classical Vocal Performance (UIUC), BME & BM cum laude in Choral Music Education and Vocal Performance from Central Michigan University.

Research Interests: Flexible vocal pedagogy, gender representation in music, and interdisciplinary collaborations. She co-founded the Sax & Serenade Duo with her husband, blending classical/CCM voice with jazz saxophone, performing works by composers like Griffin Candey.

Awards include BroadwayWorld recognition for musical direction and orchestration. Active in professional organizations such as NATS, Jazz Education Network, and serves as Vice-President for the Illinois Chapter of the National Society of Arts and Letters.