Currently serving on the Vocal Music Department staff at Duke Ellington School of the Arts, mezzo-soprano Dr. Monique Holmes-Spells completed her Doctoral degree in vocal performance at the University of Michigan. As a classical singer she has toured in Germany, Italy, Trinidad, and Barbados. Formerly serving as chair of the vocal music department at Duke Ellington, she continues to teach vocal technique, and serves as a voice consultant and member of the Sphinx Organization vocal ensemble EXIGENCE. She received her Bachelor degrees in vocal performance and music education from the University of Northern Iowa and her Master’s degree from the University of Michigan.