Monika Ballwein

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.