“Wes helped me find my authentic voice,
shaping it into something distinct and powerful
while connecting deeply to my material.”
© Coleman Photographix
Are you an actor that needs to prepare for a sung audition or wanting to improve your vocal endurance for demanding roles?
A musical theater or opera singer refining your technique for efficiency and longevity?
A young singer in search of a solid foundation and a pathway forward?
Or perhaps a composer who wants to write for singers in a way that feels natural and thrilling?
Dr. Robert Wesley Mason (Dr. Wes) has performed everywhere from Off-Broadway to Level 1-5 opera houses to small cafés, navigating the vocal demands of opera, musical theater, and new works. Along the way, he’s placed in top vocal competitions and received major grants in support of his performance career.
Dr. Wes specializes in helping actors, musical theater performers, and opera singers develop voices that are powerful, expressive and built to last through his decades of real-world performance experience, historical vocal pedagogy, and contemporary vocal science.
Let’s uncover what your voice is truly capable of.
SINGERS
Technical Mastery and Vocal Longevity:
“Wes transformed my approach to breath support and vowel placement, making my voice not only more powerful but also more sustainable.”
Vocal Freedom and Consistency:
“I now achieve greater consistency and fullness in my sound across my entire range.”
Artistry and Expression:
“With Wes’ help, I was able to bring my aria to the next dramatic level. He encouraged me to push myself and think outside the box while creating a fun, comfortable environment.”
ACTORS, DANCERS, INSTRUMENTALISTS, AND COMPOSERS
Empowering Vocal Confidence:
“Wes creates a supportive space where I can explore my voice, take risks, and embrace the growth that comes with imperfection.”
Advising Composers:
“Wes offers unique insights into vocal writing, helping me understand how to craft pieces that feel natural for singers while expanding my compositional skills.”
Breaking Through Technical and Mental Barriers:
“I came away with tools that made belting feel accessible and sustainable while shifting my mindset to welcome the challenges needed for vocal growth.”
PERFORMING WITH ARTISTIC AND MUSIC DIRECTORS
“Wes is a singer who understands the relationship between his voice, the orchestra, subtle shades of tempo, and phrasing around text. Because of this, our collaborations have been wonderful, intuitive, and easy going, an important part of the singer/conductor interaction.”
-Dean Williamson
Conductor & Music Director of Nashville Opera
Working with Wes is like popcorn for smart people, he is a very generous actor/singer who explores roles at a very rare level of depth. His aptitude to adjust like a chameleon to one’s vision is simply remarkable and is the proof of great technique, research, psychology, but also, empathy.”
-Maria Todaro
Stage Director & General Director of Florida Grand Opera
Qualifications
DMA and Bachelor’s in voice performance University of Michigan
Artist Diploma Academy of Vocal Arts.
Performance experience on stages from coffee houses to concert halls for more than 20 years including leading roles in operas and musicals at level 1-5 opera houses throughout the United States as well as off-Broadway. He brings his experience across the genres of opera, musical theater, and rock to his sessions.
Grants & Awards
2026 Hermitage Foundation Retreat Resident Artist
Career Development Award, Sullivan Foundation
Regional Winner, Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions
Encouragement Award Winner, Loren L. Zachary Society
Encouragement Award Winner, District Level of the MONCA
Earl V. Moore Award, University of Michigan
Three-time nominee, Sarah Tucker Study Grant
Finalist, Opera Index Competition
Teaching both In Person (NYC) and ONLINE
Offering voice lessons, role preparation, repertoire building, and dramatic coaching