Joyce A. TakeLessons Instructor Vocal Technique and Coaching, Dramatic Coaching, Language Diction, Music theory, Song Interpretation 61st Ave NE, Kenmore, WA

My name is Joyce and I am excited to share the unconditional joy of singing with you. Everyone’s voice is unique. In the supportive atmosphere of my studio, while learning excellent vocal technique, you will regularly experience the new and endless capabilities of your voice and learn to sing and speak with passion and creativity each time you perform, whether it be on Broadway, at Carnegie Hall, in your church, for your grandparents, at your next board meeting, or in the shower.

My training includes a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Portland State University and many workshops and master classes in L.A., Vancouver, BC, San Francisco, and Seattle. I have had the pleasure of teaching privately for over fifteen years and am a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, AGMA, and Classical Singer. I have written and directed a children’s opera and have directed professional and amateur vocal ensembles, operettas, and plays. I have lead master classes and taught in various venues in Oregon and Washington including Vocal Arts Northwest and Con Brio Women’s Ensemble. I participated and taught at the nationally acclaimed Operaworks program in L.A., California. I am also familiar with the Alexander Technique and am in the process of getting my certification.

As a professional actress and singer, I have had principle roles in many musicals and operettas. A few of my favorites include Elsie in “Yeoman of the Guard,” Sarah in “Guys and Dolls,” Lucy in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” and Mollie in “The Mousetrap.” I have also had the thrill of staying home and joining the circus, performing as the Diva with Teatro Zinzanni in Seattle. I have also been a member of the chorus and preview performer of the Seattle Opera Chorus. I have had the privilege of performing under the batons of Maestri Jerome Hines (Metropolitan Opera), Joyce McLean (Julliard), Joseph Walnig (The Mozarteum in Salzburg, Germany), Sir Robert Shaw (Vancouver, BC Symphony), and James DePriest (Oregon Symphony).

Your body is your instrument and you take it with you wherever you go. Learning how to maximize its performance and keeping it in good shape is just like learning a sport. Working with me will, among other things, help you develop the fundamentals of “muscle memory” that will ensure that you stay vocally healthy and relaxed before, during and after your performance.

In my studio, for optimal vocal technique, good vocal habits and growth, and skills you can take with you into all aspects of your life, we will focus on the following:

• Good Posture

•  Efficient Breath Support

• Increased Range and Smooth Registers
  

• Musicianship

• Sight-reading and Ear-training

• Different Styles

• Exploration, Interpretation and Communication of music and text

• Creation of a character

• Memorization

• Rehearsal and Performance Etiquette

• Audition Preparation
  

• Stage-fright

• HAVING FUN

I teach and coach almost every style there is. My passions are Classical, Musical Theater and Jazz. My specialty is making any existing style your own. I love teaching. I love learning from my students and I love sharing the joy of creating art.

Vocal Technique and Coaching, Dramatic Coaching, Language Diction, Music theory, Song Interpretation

Joyce was my daughter's first voice teacher. My daughter
studied with her from ages 14 - 18. She provided superb vocal
training and coaching which helped my daughter earn placement in top
high school choirs and school musical productions, successfully compete
in vocal competitions, and prepare auditions for college music programs.
The foundation she learned from, she provided the skills my
daughter needed to be accepted into one of the top collegiate programs
-- Indiana University's Jacob's School of Music. My daughter has
completed her Bachelor's of Music Degree and will be starting her
Masters program in music at USC. Joyce is a warm, caring person
and a passionately gifted teacher. Working with Joyce was a
marvelous experience all around.
 Sincerely, Wendy Wagner, Kenmore, WA