Suzuki Voice Instruction

The Suzuki Voice program is designed to teach vocal technique and style to young students. The program was developed in 1986 in Finland. Currently there are trained teachers in 20 countries including America, Australia, Europe, Asia and New Zealand. Henriet Fourie Thompson, CMD voice faculty member, is a trained Suzuki Voice Instructor, teaching classes at DePaul Community Music for students ages 5 through 11.

Unique features of the Suzuki Voice Program are:

1. Emphasis on everyday singing
2. Development of a natural voice
3. Listening and supporting linguistic ability
4. Parent participation
5. Special singing exercises
6. Performing at an early age 

Henriët Fourie Thompson, Instructor

Henriët Fourie Thompson, a native of South Africa, now lives in Chicago where she is in demand as a soloist onstage and as a collaborator with chamber musicians and composers.  From the opera stage to the concert hall in styles from early music to new music, she feels equally at home.

Some of her most notable solo oratorio appearances include Gloria (Vivaldi), Oratorio de Noël (Saint-Saëns), Coronation Mass in C Major, K. 317 (Mozart) and Carmina Burana (Orff). On the opera stage she has performed the roles of Monica (The Medium), Adele (Die Fledermaus), and Fortune (Coronation of Poppea).  She also performed George Crumb’s 20th century masterpiece Ancient Voices of Children.

Henriët has been a featured soloist at the Handel Week Festival (IL), Outside the Box Festival (IL), Piccolo Spoleto Festival USA (SC), the International Baroque Institute at the Longy School of Music (MA), and with the DePaul University Ensemble 20+ (IL). She has also appeared in solo recitals at The Basement Theater (Johannesburg, South Africa) and The Pierneef Theater (Pretoria, South Africa). 

An active performer and enthusiast of new music, Henriët is a member of the Chicago-based group, Fused Muse Ensemble, who was recently chosen as critic’s pick by TimeOut Chicago magazine.  She regularly sings with CUBE Ensemble, one of Chicago’s leading new music groups.

Henriët is currently a member of the Chicago Symphony Chorus, as well as the acclaimed vocal ensembles Bella Voce, and the William Ferris Chorale.  She was a member of the Grant Park Music Festival chorus in 2011, and also recently sang with the early music group Rook.

Henriët holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Vocal and Piano Performance cum laude, as well as an Artist Certificate in Vocal Performance from the College of Charleston (SC). She earned a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance with distinction from DePaul University (IL) where she studied with Julia Bentley.

For younger students interested in singing and dancing, CMD offers Prelude Choir. This beginning choir for children in first and second grade offers students the opportunity to learn correct breath and tone production, performance skills and beginning music reading. Click here to learn more.​