Dauri Kennedy:
Vocal Architect & Music Mentor
Conquer the stage and achieve confidence for life
through vocal performance
Meet Dauri Kennedy
Dauri Kennedy comes from a lineage of singers—her grandmother and mother were both gospel vocalists, instilling in her a lifelong passion for music. She attended the renowned New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts and earned her Bachelor of Music from the University of Illinois, followed by a Master of Music from UC Santa Barbara. A proud alumna of the Music Academy of the West, Ms. Kennedy has performed extensively as a soloist with the SB City College Jazz Band, Chamber Orchestra, and Grand Opera. Her operatic career includes lead roles with Seattle Opera, New Orleans Opera, and Des Moines Metro Opera.
​
For over fifteen years, Ms. Kennedy has taught in Santa Barbara’s public and private schools. She currently serves as a faculty member at Santa Barbara City College (Adult Education), where she leads choirs and teaches performance classes. She is also a beloved music teacher at Marymount of Santa Barbara, guiding students in grades K–8 in singing, music theory, appreciation, and reading.
​
In addition to her work in schools, Ms. Kennedy is the founder and musical director of the Santa Barbara School of Performing Arts (SBSOPA), which provides pre-professional training and performance opportunities for young artists ages 8–21.
My Philosophy
For me, singing is more than hitting the right notes—it’s a form of freedom, a source of joy, and a powerful path to self-expression. When solid technique is nurtured alongside that joy, students gain the confidence and agency to exceed their own expectations—on stage and beyond.
My goal is to help each student truly embody vocal technique and understand how it applies to their unique voice and where they are in their development. I challenge my students to reach their highest potential using proven methods that build a strong foundation for professional-level artistry, regardless of their age. I set high standards in a supportive environment that helps them move past fear and into authentic, empowered performance.
I also work with many students who need to unlearn habits that may be limiting or harmful to their vocal health. I integrate phonetics, vocal anatomy, and care for the voice into my teaching—because understanding how the voice works is key to using it safely and beautifully. Whether a student is just beginning, returning after a break, or working at an advanced level, I meet them where they are and help them celebrate the full potential of their voice.
