Meet Deborah Conquest

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Deborah Conquest. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Deborah below.

Deborah , so glad you were able to set aside some time for us today. We’ve always admired not just your journey and success, but also the seemingly high levels of self-discipline that you seem to have mastered and so maybe we can start by chatting about how you developed it or where it comes from?

My self-discipline is the quiet fire that fuels me as a bit of a maverick—the one who shows up differently and stands out in every room. When you’re the only one like yourself, whether it’s in the stillness before dawn lifting in the gym, in the studio guiding students with a unique vision, or on stage breaking new ground, discipline becomes more than routine—it becomes a spiritual practice. I rise early, 5 or 6, not simply out of obligation, but from a deep commitment to my purpose and the path I’m called to walk, even when no one else follows. Each day, I carve out sacred time for vocal practice and powerlifting, cultivating strength and grace where others may choose comfort. My weekends overflow with the energy of my students’ performances, whether youth theatre or professional stages, and I greet Sunday mornings with gratitude as I teach anew. Since becoming a powerlifter, I don’t drink anymore—on or off season—and that choice still raises eyebrows more often than not.

Imposter syndrome has been a shadow I’ve had to face and overcome, yet it still visits me almost daily. Rather than silence it, I listen and learn from it, using those lessons to guide the singers and actors I work with. I teach them that feeling like an outsider or doubting your worth is part of the journey—and that through discipline, self-compassion, and perseverance, they too can stand confidently in their own light. Being a trailblazer means embracing the solitude and sacredness of the grind, leaning into resilience with faith that steady, intentional effort brings true transformation. My discipline is not just habit; it is the honoring of my soul’s calling, a fierce holding of my authentic self, and an invitation for others to do the same—even when it feels like I’m walking alone.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I have a love for hiking, rockabilly music, competitive powerlifting, house plants, and chocolate cake—not necessarily in that order. Broadway was my first dream, so I started out studying Musical Theatre, but somewhere along the way, someone told me my voice might be better suited for opera. That led me to Italy to launch my opera career. Now, I’ve come full circle, coaching singing actors through Conquest Voice Studio, working exclusively online with singers from all over the world. With more than 20 years of experience, I focus on helping singers develop healthy belting, science-backed technique, vocal health, and audition skills. My coaching is always personalized—custom warm-ups, sight-singing practice, detailed feedback, and help with acting songs and audition etiquette. I’ve been performing since I was a baby and I joined SAG-AFTRA performers union at just six months old.

The world of singing is always changing, and I believe singers need to be ready to adapt and grow with it. At Conquest Voice Studio, I want to encourage singers to dig deep, be brave, and find their own unique voice—because there is no other singer in the whole world quite like them. We’re a studio of recovering perfectionists, and perfectionism absolutely kills creativity, so a lot of our work is about undoing and reframing. We focus on versatility and cross-training—helping singers build skills that work across styles and genres. It’s not just about technique or hitting the notes—it’s about acting through the song, owning your presence on stage, and being ready for whatever the industry throws at you. Drawing from my own experience across musical theatre, pop-infused shows, and classical music, I help singers find authenticity and build real confidence. The studio is a supportive place where every voice is celebrated and given room to grow.

Conquest Voice Studio offers personalized one-on-one lessons as well as a half-day Audition Jumpstart designed specifically for singing actors preparing for college and professional auditions. This focused session provides over three hours of uninterrupted, individualized coaching—the equivalent of four regular lessons—tailored to meet each student’s unique goals. The program supports preparation for prescreens, self-tapes, auditions, demos, and performances through expert online voice lessons. In addition to vocal technique and performance coaching, the Audition Jumpstart includes comprehensive guidance on selecting, assembling, and refining an audition book to fit each singer’s needs.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Resilience has been crucial because the path of a performer and coach is full of challenges—from auditions that don’t go well to the inevitable ups and downs of any creative career. Learning to keep going, even when things get tough or feedback is hard to hear, makes all the difference.

Curiosity has kept me growing as an artist and teacher. Staying open to new styles, techniques, and ideas—whether it’s exploring opera, musical theatre, or contemporary commercial music—has expanded my skills and kept my work fresh and relevant.

Adaptability is essential in a constantly changing industry. The landscape of singing and performance shifts all the time, so being willing to learn, evolve, and embrace new opportunities or directions is what helps you stay ahead and thrive.

For folks early in their journey, my advice is to cultivate these qualities actively. When facing setbacks, remind yourself that resilience isn’t about never failing—it’s about how you come back. Stay curious by seeking out teachers, styles, and music that challenge you. And embrace change by being flexible and open to unexpected paths. Most importantly, give yourself permission to be a “work in progress”—growth is lifelong.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

My ideal client is someone who’s passionate about singing and ready to dig deep—not just into technique, but into finding their own unique voice. They might be a seasoned performer or a complete beginner, but what they share is a willingness to be brave, to make mistakes, and to embrace the process of growth. I love working with “recovering perfectionists” — singers who want to let go of that inner critic that can stifle creativity and confidence.

They’re curious and open-minded, excited to explore different styles and genres, and eager to develop versatility as a performer. Whether preparing for auditions, building healthy technique, or learning to really act through a song, they’re committed to investing time and effort in their craft. Above all, they want a supportive space where they can grow without judgment and celebrate their own unique sound.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Alan Tirré Samba Fotography
Kevin Drury Photography
Rachel Brady photography

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