Instructor Profiles

Alicia Bigras, Vocal Instructor

Alicia Bigras, lyric soprano, is originally from Fruitvale, British Columbia. She has spent the past six years in Medicine Hat teaching at the college. Prior to that, Alicia taught for seven years with the Conservatory of Music at the University of Lethbridge. She resides in Medicine Hat with her husband Jan, sons Nicholas (10) and Carter (7) and her bichon-shitzui Tikka. Alicia teaches voice at the college, conducts the Medicine Hat Kinder & Children's Choir. She also created an early learning music class at the college called, "Here Comes Treble". In addition to teaching at the college, Alicia is the director and lead teacher of Au Chapeau French Immersion Preschool.  

Alicia has been singing and performing since the age of seven where she began studying voice with Audrey and Chuck Bissett. In 2005, she completed a Bachelor of Music degree with a major in vocal performance under the direction of Patrice Jegou-Oyelese. In 2006, Alicia was one of two Canadians accepted into the University of Miami, Frost School of Music summer program in Salzburg Austria. There she had the opportunity to learn German, perform in master classes, and study with renowned instructors. In 2010, she completed a Bachelor of Education degree and since has taught music as well as other subjects for grades 1-6. She is very passionate about teaching music to people of all ages and instilling music appreciation in her students.  

Alicia has performed in Fledermaus, H.M.S. Pinafore, Vox Musica Choir, and as a solo recitalist in both Medicine Hat & Lethbridge. She is an active adjudicator for Kiwanis and Rotary Music Festivals throughout Alberta Alicia has been the vocal director for Medicine Hat's summer camp Theatrix. In Lethbridge she co-taught a musical theatre class with colleague David Shefsiek and directed "Let's Sing", a singing camp for kids ages 5-15 as well as "Raise Your Voice" at the Medicine Hat College. She enjoys teaching and performing in many genres including classical, opera, folk, musical theatre, pop and country. Alicia strives to teach healthy singing and good vocal technique. Her teaching is based on the techniques of the Italian school of singing and she is highly influenced by the pedagogy of Richard Miller. She also feels it is important to teach proper stage etiquette and to help build confidence in her singers. Alicia's students participate in the Rotary Music Festival and many have gone on to Provincials as well as further education in Music and Fine Arts.  

Alicia is a passionate and caring teacher who establishes strong relationships with her students and works hard to help them to achieve their goals, feel successful and fulfilled and to share their gift with others. Alicia looks forward to continuing to share her love of music with her students and in the community of Medicine Hat.