Professor Dr. Laura Swankey

Biography

Laura Swankey is a vocalist, composer, arranger, and improviser based in Toronto. She employs a unique approach to singing, utilizing her agile and expressive voice across a broad spectrum of genres, including traditional jazz, non-idiomatic improvised music, and experimental rock. Laura currently teaches voice at the University of Toronto and York University, and has previously taught at Humber College. She holds diplomas in music composition and jazz vocal performance from Grant MacEwan University, a Bachelor of Jazz Performance from the University of Toronto, and a MA in counseling psychology from Yorkville University. Laura is also a Registered Psychotherapist, and her work in mental health enriches her compassionate approach to music education. She has been featured on over 30 studio albums, collaborating with notable artists including George Elliott Clarke, John Oswald, and Rich Brown. Her recent projects include significant contributions to JUNO-nominated albums, and she is actively involved in various musical endeavors, such as Afton Project and Parade, both of which are set to release new music in the coming years.

Research Interests