MUSIC
I priorize finding the self through the voice. Art is a means in which to better understand the world around us, the part we play in it, and who we are. As a vocalist, I focus on the way I express myself to the world - through words, through actions, through expression, and how those things come through in the voice.
As a teacher, I focus on the fundamentals of singing - how does the voice work? Where does the sound truly come from? It's not about singing LIKE someone else, it's about singing like YOU. We work together to find your voice, and work within your abilities while pushing the understanding of your voice.
I have a methodology that I created through my own education and experiences. I believe my approach is a more modern look at the voice, taking into account the more modern singing styles we hear today.
Lessons: Vocal (all levels), Theory (all levels)
COLLEGIATE SHAG
Alisha Oliver is a professional jazz musician and teacher based in Toronto, Ontario. Surrounded by swing music since 2014 through her music education at Humber College and her professional career as a freelance vocalist, private music teacher, and vocal coach for the Toronto All-Star Big Band, Alisha discovered a passion for swing dancing as a new avenue for further artistic expression and musicality.
Alisha leads and follows in both Shag and Balboa styles and placed third in Great Lakes Shag Escape’s Newcomers Dance Competition in 2025. She runs a weekly all-levels Guided Shag Practice in Toronto (since 2024).
Alisha believes that swing dance (much like jazz music) is a conversation, shaped by the individuality of each dancer. Her teaching emphasizes self discovery and expression through individualized movement, and conversational musicality. She strives to support dancers in deepening their understanding of their existing vocabulary while inspiring creative growth and new possibilities.
