Michael B. TakeLessons Instructor Voice, guitar, theory. Chicago, IL

Michael’s operatic experience includes Guglielmo in Mozart’s Così fan tutte, Schaunard in Puccini’s La Boheme, Bob in Menotti’s The Old Maid and the Thief, and Pish-Tush in Sullivan’s The Mikado.  Michael has also sung the role of John in the Chicago premiere of Perera’s The Yellow Wallpaper.  Most recently he was seen as Ernesto in Haydn’s Il Mondo della Luna at the Harris Theater in Chicago.

As a soloist, he has sung the Fauré Requiem and Handel’s Messiah, as well as the English premiere of Kurt Weill’s The Seven Deadly Sins with the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra.  Additionally, he recently sang a recital at the Bangalore School of Music (India).

Michael has taught all levels of singing from beginner to professional, and at all different age levels.  He is currently an adjunct faculty member at Trinity Christian College.

Michael completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of Kansas and holds a master’s degree and a professional diploma in voice from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University.  He studied in Italy under renowned operatic coach Lorenzo Malfatti.

Each lesson will begin with vocal warm-ups and voice building exercises.  The voice is a muscle, and just like any athletic activity it must gradually be strengthened and honed into a finely tuned instrument.  We will work on breathing excercises that will increase your breath control and improve your tone.  The second part of each lesson will consist of working on appropriate repertoire.

I teach all of my students a classical technique.  This means that we will begin with classical repertoire, but as the technique becomes more solid we can move on to different styles, if the student desires.

During my lessons, I want students to feel comfortable asking questions and voicing their opinions.  In return I ask that they give me their effort and concentration.  Lastly, I expect my students to have fun and enjoy singing!

I have studied mainly Classical and Operatic music as well as some musical theater. I have studied Italian, German and French, and I am confident in coaching all three languages. I have performed all styles from Baroque to 21st Century.

Voice, guitar, theory.