ABOUT the Singing Teacher / Professional Singer / Recording Artist
Diana Drew, BFA
_edited.jpg)
Diana Drew, BFA Mus Honours
Diana began her musical journey at just seven years old when she first performed on stage, singing and playing the guitar. With her father, a professional opera singer and Juilliard gold medalist, guiding her vocally, she developed her talent from early age. By the age of eleven, record companies were eager to sign her, but she opted for a more 'normal' childhood. Diana Drew earned an Honours degree in music performance at York University. She has sung professionally at many venues including the Air Canada Centre (formerly SkyDome), Maple Leaf Gardens, CNE, large hotels throughout the GTA, as well as special performances with the York Symphony Orchestra, the Toronto Raptors, Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Argonauts, and the Toronto Blue Jays to name a few. She has worked professionally on television, radio, video, film and musical theatre. Diana has formal training in voice, acting and five instruments.
Discover the extraordinary journey of Diana, a remarkable artist who has had the honor of performing for legends like Oscar Peterson, Anne Murray, Russell Malone, Lorne Lofsky, Norman Amadio, Eric Traugott, and Eric Schultz to name a few in the music industry.
Her unique story includes a courageous battle against two cancers, one affecting her throat, which caused her doctor to doubt her ability to sing again. With unwavering determination, she relearned how to sing around her surgical scars. Her voice is a powerful testament of strength and resilience.
Experience magic of her voice in her album 'Diana Who' and be inspired by her incredible spirit.
Diana specializes in jazz on her latest CD, but her online singing lessons cover ALL MUSIC GENRES.
She emphasizes that breath control and vocal techniques are universal.
“The voice is powerful, growly or sweeping, husky with hickory smoke…she holds the last note, holds it forever, leaving the sax and drums in her dust.” writes Mike Strobel of the Toronto SUN about Diana Drew's CD
Diana Drew stands out ... she's got one of those smokey, honey-dipped voices that rolls over you like a wave. Her sultry voice and relaxed demeanour made her a spellbinding choice to perform the classics. Diana has a star quality that audience members clearly appreciated." writes Tracey Tong of the Recorder and Times
"Whoa Canada! Check her out! Meet the other lovely blonde Canadian Jazz Singer named Diana! ...perfectly easy-listening jazz thanks to Diana's deep, warm delivery... pretty and inspiring!" writes Jonaco, CD Baby Reviews, Boston
“It’s Diana Drew ’s rich voice that makes her exceptional” writes Doug Ibbotson of the Toronto Star.
writes Doug Ibbotson of the Toronto Star
“She’s recorded a jazz album after recovering from cancer surgeries…been played on Jazz FM 91.1” writes Erika Heffernan of the Economist and Sun regarding Diana Drew's re-entry into the music business.
“I think the CD is wonderful! Her voice is effortless, delivered with smooth simplicity... just out of this world!” Colin Smith live on CKLN 88.1 regarding Diana Drew's vocal stylings.
“A singer in Toronto — Diana Drew. Her album is called ‘Diana Who’ … great stuff!” Terry McElligott live on Jazz FM 91.1 on Diana Drew's new CD
"Diana's voice is absolutely fabulous!" Liane Kotler, producer of Person to Person on Studio 2, TVO
​
LISTEN FOR DIANA DREW’S CD ON THE FOLLOWING RADIO STATIONS AND YOU CAN CALL IN TO REQUEST YOUR FAVOURITE SONG FROM HER CD ...
-
Toronto, Ontario Easy Listening Radio www.am740.ca Phone: 416-544-0740 or 1-866-740- 4740
-
Swisssh Radio' via the Internet www.swisssh.ca with host Rob Reid
-
88.1-FM Jazz CKLN Toronto, Ontario
-
with Colin Smith and his show "One Flight Up" Tuesdays at 7am Phone: 416-595-1655 or 416-979-525
-
Jazz Fm 91. 1 CJRT Toronto, Ontario - Email: info@jazz.fm or Phone: 416-595-0404
-
104.9 JRFM Radio Toronto, Ontario , Easy Listening Phone: 613-345-166
-
CHRY 105.5 MHz North York, Ontario
-
CILU 102.7 FM Thunder Bay, Ontario
-
CIUT 89.5 MHz Toronto, Ontario
-
CJMQ 88.9 MHz Lennoxville, Quebec
-
CJSR 88.5 MHz Edmonton, Alberta
-
CKMS 100.3 MHz Waterloo, Ontario
-
CKLU 96.7 MHz Sudbury, Ontario
-
CKUW 95.9 MHz Winnipeg, Manitoba
-
CKXU 88.3 MHz Lethbridge, Alberta
-
Cape Radio Sydney, Nova Scotia
-
CFBU 103.7 MHz St. Catherines, Ontario
-
CFBX 92.5 FM Kamloops, British Columbia
-
CFCR 90.5 MHz Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
-
CFMU 93.3 MHz Hamilton, Ontario
-
CFRC 101.9 Kingston, Ontario
-
CFUR 88.7 MHz Prince George, British Columbia
-
CFXU 92.5 MHz Antigonish, Nova Scotia
-
CHLY 101.7 MHz Nanaimo, British Columbia
-
CHMA 106.9 MHz Sackville, New Brunswick
-
CJUM 101.5 MHz Winnipeg, Manitoba
-
CKDU 88.1 FM Halifax, Nova Scotia
-
CFUV 101.9 FM Victoria, British Columbia
-
CHSR 97.9FM Fredericton, New Brunswick
-
CKUA 94.9 FM Edmonton, Alberta
​
PAST PERFORMANCES
Diana Drew captivates audiences in a variety of venues with her powerful voice, skillfully accompanying herself on piano or guitar. Whether she is a special guest or leading a band, she commands the stage with a strong presence and a clear passion for music, consistently leaving the crowd wanting more.
​
Sky Dome
Maple Leaf Gardens
Sheraton Parkway
Sheridan
Inn on the Park
Markham Board of Trade
Devonsely Place
Scarborough Town Centre
Chick 'n Deli
Spring Lakes Golf Club
Brockvile Arts Theatre
Royal York Hotel
​
Markham Theatre
Nag's Head North
Carpenter's Arms
Inside Line
Victoria and Albert
Sergeant Pepper's
Hilton Suites Hotel
Markham Fair
The Crystal Palace
Diabetes Association
Canadian Cancer Society Relay
Lula Lounge, etc.
York Symphony Orchestra
Markham Fair
Hilton Suites Hotel and Spa
Markham Jazz Festival
Four Seasons Sheridan Hotel
Markham Museum
Care Unlimited Volunteer Gala
CNIB Benefit Concert
Scarborough Civic Centre
Markham Board of Trade
Dave Tsubouchi Campaign
Ramada Renaissance
Sportsway Inn
Bobby Rubinos Restaurants
Duke of the Sea Tavern
Heritage Inn
York Downs Golf Club
L'Hotel
Markham Heritage Festivals
Thousand Islands Jazz Festival
Sutton Place
Nashville Palace
TRAINING
TRAINING
Singing: Honours B.F.A. Music Degree from York University
Diana began her journey at age 6, mentored by her father, a professional opera singer with an impressive background performing in venues with the New York City Centre Opera Company, On Broadway and receiving a gold medal from New York's prestigious Juilliard School of Music. Although classically trained, Diana delved into a variety of musical styles. With mastery of the infamous 'Bel Canto' technique, her singing reflects the resultant natural quality, power, and 'breath control'. Whether performing older or modern genres of music, Diana captures her audience's attention with her talent and passion.
INSTRUMENTS
Guitar: studied classical, flamenco, folk and jazz privately with Andy Krehm, Bob Neveu, and the legendary recording artist John Perrone.
Piano: studied over eight years, culminating with an RCM Grade 8 Honours Award. Continued further study in improvisation in University, studying privately with distinguished professors such as Frank Falco and Casey Sokol.
Banjo, Violin, Mandolin, Accordion: studied banjo with Bob Neveu, violin with Rupert Holmes. Both the mandolin and the accordion are self-taught.
Acting: studied with John Milton Branton.
Dance: studied with Yves Cousineau, Margo Bibby and Alice Kwong.
Music Theory: Theory, Rudiments, History, Harmony, Counterpoint, the Delamonte Method, etc.
PROFESSIONAL PERFORMING EXPERIENCE
Performing: Performing in numerous venues on stage since 1968 and performed professionally since 1980. [Please refer to "Past Performances" in the section above for a detailed list of venues she has performed in.]
Recording: Eastern Sound, Sounds Interchange, Imagine Sound, "This Is It" Studio, Ken Morley Sound, Kensington Sound, Wellesley Sound, Diana Drew Recording Studio, Acrobat Music Inc., Manta Sound, etc.
Video: VTR (recorded live at Eastern Sound), Chamberlain Productions, Ottaway Productions, Household Finance Commercial and Promotional Productions
Film: Millenium, Sing, Stigmata.
Television: CHCH-TV 11, The Nashville Network, Rogers, CTV with Patrick Whitely Productions, Global, Classicom, TSN, City-TV, On-Tidy Endings Series, etc., ACTRA member.
Radio: CFGM (recorded live at the Heritage Inn), CHRY Radio York, CKLN 88.1(with Colin Smith), 740AM (Barry Morden), CFJR 104.9 FM (Bruce Wylie), as well as approximately 26 other radio stations across Canada...
Symphonies: Special Guest Vocalist with the York Symphony Orchestra conducted by Roberto De Clara
Music Theatre: "Lil' Abner" (Lead Role), "Comin' 'Round the Mountain" (Lead Role), All About Eve (Lead Role)...
Choir: York University Choir, Ionview Choir, WCCI choir
Dance: Canada's Wonderland: showgirl, singer/dancer, Royal York Hotel: choreography, back-up dancing in variety shows...
Special Skills: Singing Teacher since 1988; Piano and Guitar Teacher; two Public Speaking Awards; Musicals -Director, Illustrator and Cartoonist; Registered Lifeguard; 12+ levels of Figure Skating; speaks English, German and French; Business Affairs Councilor and Director of Social and Cultural Affairs for York University.
​
Adult and Child Positive Psychological Development Programs: completed four years at Landmark Education including the 'Leadership' program in 'How to be a Leader in your Life'; graduate of the Hoffman Process; five years of 'Free to Be You' training; seven years of behavior psychology training with the distinguished Dr. Edward Meade.
Diana sang at the Air Canada Centre, captivating the crowd for the Blue Jays. Her image on the Jumbotron created an unforgettable moment of baseball victory as well!
Diana delivered an incredible anthem at Maple Leaf Gardens, energizing the crowd for a Toronto Maple Leafs game, inspiring the team to victory, and creating a memorable moment!
Diana captivates the crowd at the Air Canada Centre for a Toronto Argonauts football game where music and sports unite culminating in a victory!
Diana energized the crowd with her anthem at the Air Canada Centre as the Raptors secured a thrilling victory. It was a memorable moment of excitement!
Diana had the incredible opportunity to attend the VIP after-concert party shared with one of the greatest jazz pianists in history, the legendary Oscar Peterson. It was a privilege that Diana will cherish forever.
Diana had the chance to take a picture with CITY-TV's John Gallagher at the Toronto Raptors game. This unforgettable moment occurred after her performance of the national anthem, enhancing the excitement of the night!
Diana shared her performing history and music journey in an interview with lively Radio Personality, Barry Morden at AM740!
Diana backstage with band members at the Thousand Island Jazz Concert.
[From left to right] David Field (Bass), Laurie Bower (Trombone), Luis Mario Ochoa (Guitar), Diana Drew (Vocalist), The late Ian Bargh (Piano) and Don Vickery (Drums)
Diana's name lit up the Marquee at the Brockville Arts Centre, marking an unforgettable jazz concert.
Diana sings at Lula Lounge for a unique charity event with her Jazzamatazz band. It was a mesmerizing jazz experience supporting a meaningful cause for the Newbridge Care Unlimited Program, a program developed by Don Drew to recognize volunteers after Diana's bouts with cancer.
Diana enjoys a successful concert with her band at the Markham Jazz Festival. Surrounded by musician friends, including saxophonist John Johnson (far right), the evening is full of joy and camaraderie.