Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. José Miguel Santelices. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dr. José Miguel, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Finding my purpose was a journey rooted in my lifelong passion for music and a desire to empower others through the transformative power of the arts. As a performer and educator, I’ve always been inspired by the way music connects people across cultures and how it enables individuals to express their truest selves. My path became clear during my doctoral studies in voice performance when I realized that my purpose extended beyond my own artistry—I wanted to create a space where others could thrive, grow, and discover their unique voices.
This vision came to life with the founding of VOCES Academy of the Arts, where we combine evidence-based teaching methods with real-world expertise to nurture singers of all ages and backgrounds. Our mission is to help students build confidence, master vocal technique, and achieve their artistic goals while fostering a community of creativity and excellence. My purpose is fulfilled every day when I see students unlocking their potential and finding joy in their artistry.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am Dr. José Miguel Santelices, a lyric tenor, stage director, and the proud founder of VOCES Academy of the Arts. My career is a balance of active performance and passionate teaching, which I believe go hand in hand. While I continue to perform in recitals, operas, and concerts, I’ve found immense fulfillment in nurturing the next generation of artists through my academy.
What makes VOCES Academy special?
VOCES Academy is built on the idea that every voice is unique and deserves tailored training to bring out its full potential. We focus on personalized, evidence-based teaching that empowers singers not just to sing beautifully but to sing confidently and expressively. For me, the joy lies in helping students of all levels—whether they’re pursuing professional goals or singing for personal fulfillment—discover their true voices.
What’s happening at VOCES Academy?
Instagram: Monday Vocal Essentials
Each week, we share a new vocal term with its definition to make technical concepts more accessible for singers at every stage. This series is designed to educate and engage our growing online community.
YouTube: Friday Vocal Technique Videos
Our YouTube channel is where I delve into vocal technique, offering tips, exercises, and insights for singers to refine their skills. These videos are crafted to be both practical and inspirational, helping viewers bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Local Growth
I’m actively building our presence in the Dallas area, connecting with communities in Garland, Plano, and beyond. From distributing flyers to hosting workshops, we’re creating opportunities for more students to join the academy.
Building VOCES Academy has been a deeply personal and rewarding journey. I’m excited to continue growing our academy and sharing the transformative power of singing with students in Dallas and beyond. I invite anyone curious about their voice to follow us on Instagram (@vocesarts) or visit our website to schedule an Initial Vocal Assessment and start their own vocal journey.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three qualities that had the most impact on my journey are resilience, the power of a support group, and the importance of professionalism. These have shaped my path as a performer, educator, and now as the founder of VOCES Academy of the Arts.
The performing arts, much like any creative field, are a marathon, not a sprint. Resilience has been crucial in my journey—navigating the highs and lows, from thrilling performances to the inevitable rejections and challenges. I learned that success isn’t about perfection but about perseverance and consistency. Every setback taught me something valuable and made me stronger.
For those starting out, embrace the long game. Set achievable goals, celebrate small victories, and understand that progress takes time. Resilience doesn’t mean ignoring challenges—it means facing them with determination and learning from them.
No one succeeds alone. My family, friends, and colleagues have been my foundation, offering encouragement during difficult times and celebrating achievements with me. Whether it was a kind word, a constructive critique, or just showing up to support me, my support network has been invaluable.
Build your circle. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your vision. They don’t have to be in your field—sometimes the best advice comes from an outside perspective. And don’t forget to give back; being part of someone else’s support system is just as important.
In both performing and teaching, I’ve learned that being a team player is everything. Whether it’s arriving on time to rehearsals, knowing your material inside out, or maintaining a positive attitude even under pressure, professionalism earns trust and respect. It’s the small details that build a strong reputation and lasting relationships.
Show up ready to give your best every time. This doesn’t mean being perfect—it means being prepared, punctual, and willing to collaborate. People notice and appreciate a good attitude, and it can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
One book that has profoundly influenced my journey is Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations. The Stoic philosophy it offers has been a constant source of guidance, helping me navigate challenges in my life and work with a sense of clarity and purpose. Its teachings are practical and timeless, and they resonate deeply with the mindset needed in both the arts and education.
One idea I’ve carried with me is the focus on what is within our control. This perspective is invaluable in an unpredictable field like performing. I can’t control how an audience reacts, but I can control how I prepare, how I present myself, and how I adapt in the moment. This mindset has allowed me to embrace both successes and setbacks without being consumed by them. Similarly, in teaching, I encourage students to focus on their own effort and growth rather than external outcomes, which cultivates resilience and self-confidence.
Another lesson from Meditations is the importance of self-reflection. Marcus Aurelius writes with a remarkable honesty about his thoughts and actions, always striving for improvement. This practice has shaped how I approach my own development—taking the time to evaluate where I can do better without being overly critical. It’s also something I emphasize with students, guiding them to reflect constructively on their progress so they can take ownership of their artistry.
Finally, the concept of memento mori, or remembering our mortality, has been a grounding force. It’s a reminder to focus on what truly matters and to approach each moment with gratitude. This philosophy has helped me keep the joy of music and teaching at the center of everything I do, even during demanding times.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.josemiguelartist.com/voces
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vocesarts
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568357189325
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0wbAWgm8kz_KIaaSZtYCuQ
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