Monika Ballwein
Lecturer for Vocals
Artistic Major(s):
Vocals
Artistic and pedagogical education
- Active as a professional singer since the age of 16.
- 2004: Founded her own Academy for Voice, Singing, and Entertainment.
- 2012: Completed a 3-year training program to become a CVT Vocal Coach at the CVI in Copenhagen.
Teaching & Research
Teaching
- 2022 – Present: Lecturer for Voice and Vocal Performance at the University of Teacher Education Salzburg.
- 2019 – Present: Guest lecturer at institutions such as the University of Music Vienna, University Colleges of Teacher Education in Lower Austria/Salzburg, VSA-Eisenstadt, Jazz Academy Zeillern, and the Graz Voice Days.
- 2009 – 2012: Lecturer at the Lausanne University of Music.
Research
- Development of innovative approaches in vocal pedagogy, particularly in the area of Complete Vocal Technique (CVT).
Publications
Releases (Albums, Singles, Shows)
- 2022: "Yesterday"
- 2021: "I am from Austria"
- 2017: "Ballwein celebrates the Beatles", a tribute to the Beatles
- 2014: CD and show "Soul Circus", concert performance at the Donauinselfest
- 2015: "Coming home" (Single)
Scientific publications
- 2006: Move Your Voice – Vocal Workout for Optimal Voice Performance (Doblinger Music Publishing). Officially recognized by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education and Arts.
Eurovision Song Contest
- 2014: Vocal coach and mentor for Conchita Wurst (Rise Like a Phoenix).
- 2013: Performed with Natalia Kelly (Shine).
- 2002: Background singer for Manuel Ortega (Say a Word).
- 1999: Background singer for Bobbie Singer (Reflections).
- 1997: Background singer for Bettina Soriat (One Step).
- Jury member for the Eurovision Song Contest and vocal coach for Kaleen (2024) and Pia Maria (2023).
Further work experience
- Collaborated with internationally renowned artists, including Rainhard Fendrich, Wolfgang Ambros, Nina Hagen, Christina Stürmer, Udo Jürgens, Chaka Khan, Hans Zimmer, Al Jarreau, and many others.
- Contributed to over 1,500 song productions and served as a station voice for more than 20 radio stations in Austria and Germany.
- Soloist in the Dancing Stars Orchestra on the eponymous TV show.
- Played leading roles in musicals such as Hair, Beatlemania, A Tribute to Abba, and Brooksie.
- Voice actress for the children’s TV series Spirello and in various commercials (e.g., for Billa, McDonald’s, Klipp).
- Choir director for Voices of Volunteers at the Eurovision Song Contest 2015.
Awards
- 2023: Lower Austrian Culture Prize: Honorary Award in the Music category.
- 2022: Golden Decoration of Honor of the Province of Lower Austria.