Chicago, IL Opera Voice Lessons

erforming arts school that only accepts 10% of its applicants.

4) I make it fun! Here is a quote from one of my reviews:
“Exactly what anyone would need to gain knowledge about the mechanics of singing and she makes it fun, too”

It is my goal to help every one of my students:

1) develop a healthy singing technique that will bring longevity to your career or hobby.

2) learn music efficiently and independently.

3) develop good practice habits.

4) learn basic ear training/sight singing.

If that sounds like something you would like to learn, click the green button on my profile to book lessons with me. If you are not quite ready to book, feel free to ask me a question.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
I've been studying voice for 10 years and teaching consistently for over 6 years. I received my M.M. from the Chicago College of Performing Arts and my B.M. from Wheaton College. Since graduating in 2013, I have been working and performing in the Chicagoland area. Some performance highlights include but are not limited to performing with Light Opera Works, CCPA's production of the Chicago Premier of Daron Hagen's Amelia, and performing with the Grant Park Chorus.

I look forward to working with you!

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will provide books. I expect my student to provide a piano.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in operatic singing. I received my training in opera; however, I also have training and performance experience in musical theater. I believe I am well equipped in several genres.

ation (ISMTA), a member of the West Suburban Chapter of ISMTA, as well as a member of National Association of Teachers of Singing. Most of my students are high school aged, but I have taught from ages seven through 70. My students regularly achieve MTNA's Music Achievement Award, are selected for District Choir and All-State Choir, as well as receive leading roles in high school and community musicals.

PHILOSOPHY

I believe that singing does something to words which nothing else can--it puts feelings to music. Everyone has feelings, and everyone can be musical. Those who pursue their vocal education can be rewarded with confidence in their ability to sing. The goal of my Studio is to promote the study of music, and to create a musical environment at each lesson so that every person's individual potential can become realized - all while having fun!

My Studio provides a nurturing environment for all singers, from beginning to advanced, children to adults. I will help you develop and maintain your vocal health, expand your vocal range, and develop your musicianship. You will learn to integrate a coordinated process of breath, pitch and tone, while exploring your vocal potential in a wide range of contemporary and classic musical styles. Teaching proper vocal technique is my primary goal with every student: fixing what is being used incorrectly, and enhancing what is already done well. I will work with you on any style of repertoire you desire: classical, opera, Broadway, jazz, folk, etc. I love it when a student wants a variety of song! And if your music theory skills are weak, we'll take care of that, too!

LESSONS

Children eighth grade and younger should sign up for half hour lessons; students high school and older should sign up for 45 minute lessons.

I am so excited to share the joy of making music with my new TakeLessons students! We get right into breathing, first thing. Once that is right, we can turn our attention to what's going on with the throat and mouth. All the while, we are learning songs by which we can practice whatever we're working on in the exercises. Everybody's different, with different tensions, both proper and antagonistic. We isolate the muscular tensions that are interfering with your perfect sound, and go from there!

*** Lesson Details ***
Come prepared to make a lot of noises with which you don't normally sing! We will explore every sound you are capable of - there's something to learn from most of them! Obviously, we'll concentrate on the ones we really want to sing with, while using a myriad of vocal exercises.

My studio brochure will explain many of the nuts and bolts of our lessons, and any expectations regarding practicing, keyboard ability and access, and how we work home practice when you don't know how to play piano. Generally, we spend about half the lesson time on warm ups/exercises, and half the time on songs. Sometimes we memorize them; sometimes we polish them; sometimes we just learn them quickly and move on to new things. Each lesson is a little different, depending on what I'm hearing from you that day.

I'm always happy to help you with school/church solos, audition material, choral parts, etc. Otherwise, we will choose repertoire together, taking into account your goals and interests, along with what makes good teaching material. Come join the fun and make some music!

*** Studio Equipment ***
My basement rec room serves as my teaching studio, so there are stairs with which to contend. Parents may stay either in the studio, or up in my living room to wait. The fully equipped studio contains a piano, audio-visual equipment for recording and play back, music stands, stools, a comfortable couch, and even a sink for quick water drinks! (Singing can make you thirsty!)

*** Specialties ***
In my 30+ years of teaching private lessons, I've amassed quite a toolbox of eclectic musical resources. That said, I still find muscle manipulative exercises while vocalizing to be the quickest route for most students to have success in building their long term voice. So I utilize those techniques frequently. With proper, healthy vocal production, a student can sing in any genre they choose. I am very concerned about producing a healthy voice with a free tone, particularly for children, so that all students can go forward into whatever style they choose with good vocal production.

les that may seem too hard to the student. I will start my students off with the basic vocal warm ups and then move on to material that they would like to cover and if so the student doesn't have material to cover, I will present them with material. Being a singer is not easy at all, so I will challenge my students by giving exercises that challenge them to sing for proficient. I will also bring in material that is brand new and ask the students questions about the piece. The student is in the lesson to learn everything about music, so any type of material that I feel will benefit them and help them move closer to their goal, I will definitely present to them. After 3 to 6 months students will be able to sing in the 3 minor keys and the major key. The student will also have knowledge and know how to sing at least 3 different modes. The singer will know how to read basic sheet music and perform it with solfege. The singer will also have 4 songs of my choice or their choice mastered and ready to perform in front of an audience. Lastly, the singer will have knowledge of proper breath control while performing, usage of a microphone, and intonation.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano/ Keyboard
Music Stand
Water

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in classical, gospel and R and B singing.

ions that are placed on students in order for them to succeed. In college, I was the head student researcher on a two-year lab project. I took several upper level science courses including: biochemistry, calculus, organic chemistry, calculus based physics, cell biology, anatomy, and physiology. I studied marine biology in the Virgin Islands and am CPR certified.

*** Lesson Details ***
Voice lessons with me are fun and effective. You can expect to hear improved technique from day one, eventually reaching your long term goals. I begin every lesson aligning the students voice through various vocal warm ups and exercises. We then work together to pick repertoire that will suit the singer'€™s voice and they will enjoy singing. During a lesson we will also cover performance presentation, acting, diction, rhythm, musicality, style, and interpretation.

During tutoring you can expect a personalized plan based on your goals and aspirations. Since every student is different you can be assured we will come up with a plan that is designed just for you. I am a laid back tutor but will be sure to get the most out of you after our time together. Most students see at least a one letter grade improvement. My main goal for every tutoring session is student learning and comprehension.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano, recording equipment, large collection of sheet music

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in helping students find their true singing voice.

help with that,too. Are you feeling more confident, and want to focus more on song polishing and getting into the heart of your songs? Let's do it! Confidence an issue? I am a pro with very shy people. I'll get you out of your shell, relaxed, and having fun right away so we can free that voice of yours! I have worked with many singers who have been diagnosed with anxiety: you're in good hands and you can trust me with your voice.

I am also a drama teacher who has worked with groups as well as individuals. Currently, I am the drama instructor at a Montessori School. I love working with beginning acting students! I'll assist with monologue prep, improvisation, voice for the stage, body awareness, and more. I love being on stage and want you to see how fun it is to jump in and let go,too!

I am a constant student in the world of theatre. I am currently taking many courses with the Drama Teacher Academy, and just received a certificate for monologue work ! Currently studying more improv and musical theatre techniques. I want my students to have as many skills as possible, no matter where their love for theatre or music takes them.

If you're interested in beginner ear training or music theory, I'd love to help you with that as well. I present it in a no-nonsense and fun manner! I'll provide you with simple worksheets to increase your confidence in learning the language of music, as well as run you through increasingly challenging patterns and sight reading for the ear training. Don't be afraid: I make it easy and customize it all. I used to be scared of theory,too- so I know what works!

I have been singing for over 20 years. Performances with the Lira Ensemble and Opera on Tap Chicago, and in master classes with international opera stars Alan Held and Lorna Haywood. Coaching with Collaborative Works Chicago and Rossini Opera Festival. Additional studies in Rock Vocals, Voice Care, Improvisational Comedy, Holistic Voice, Acting, Foreign languages, Dalcroze, Speaking Voice for Singers, , Commercial Vocal Styles/Belting with Lisa Popeil, teacher mentoring workshop with Maestro David Jones. Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. Additional workshops in Vocal Pedagogy with David Sabella-Mills, Jeannie LoVetri. Dr. Karen Prokop, Melissa Cross (the queen of healthy scream technique!), Sheri Sanders Rock the Audition training), and Chicago Cabaret Professionals.

Certified CoreSinging Instructor- one of only a few in the U.S. trained by Meribeth Dayme, PhD, respected clinician and authority in vocal pedagogy and author of "The Singing Book".

Currently studying John Henny's Science of Singing course in anticipation of certification.

My students do a variety of great things! One was a top 12 "American Idol" finalist. Current students perform in musicals, top rated choirs, and professional rock , jazz,and blues bands. Many have won awards for their singing at competitions such as NATS. Students of mine have also been accepted to prestigious performing arts high schools for both drama and music, as well as undergraduate music programs in the US and Europe.

I think if you can speak, you can sing. Everyone can and should sing! Don't let anything hold you back. I am a people person that is very passionate about music and singing, and want to be the teacher you'll trust with your voice. Come laugh and learn with me!

*** Lesson Details ***
I teach in person (Northwest Suburbs of Chicago) and online via Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime or TakeLessons Classroom, of course!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Sing and See Software. Additional materials I use: Funky n' Fun Vocal Exercises, Estelle Liebling Vocal Methods, Bona and Dannhauser for sight-reading, Full Voice workbooks for young and serious singers.

*** Specialties ***
Beginner vocalists! Very shy singers. Children, teens. Lapsed singers, and seniors. Experience in working with those with learning disabilities , special needs, and victims of abuse. Have also worked with the transgendered community. I also love to give workshops.

sing Broadway, but my father encouraged me to study classical singing first, so I'd have the foundations for a bulletproof technique that could endure a long and demanding career. I'm so glad that he did!

Who would have thought that I would learn to LOVE opera?!? It had everything that Broadway did, and so much more! Plus, I learned to fill a theater with the sound of my voice and soar over the orchestra WITHOUT A MICROPHONE!!!

Would you like to learn how to do that? I can show you how.

Let me help you find your REAL VOICE!!!

What you can expect from me:

- I will provide a supportive and effective work environment.

- I will make recommendations on repertoire based upon your goals

- I will provide you with an individualized regimen of study based upon your strengths and development, not a standardized format of study.

What I expect from you:

- Learn the musical selections we choose. Your lesson time should be used for improving your technique, not learning your music.

- Leave your outside life at the door. It will be waiting for you when you leave.

- Enjoy the process. Experiment. If it doesn't work, try something else. Take constructive criticism as an opportunity for improvement, not as a personal attack.

- Commit yourself fully! Be engaged. The benefit you receive is equal to the work you put into the process.

becca sing and play viola on the soundtrack of Summerland, available on ITunes, for the LUMA exhibit in 2014 in Chicago. She has performed at multiple sporting events around Chicago singing the National Anthem. Winning several awards for music composition and arranging, Rebecca enjoys creating the music for music collaborations. Her enthusiastic teaching style inspires her students to not only perfect technique but to love making music. A teacher of all levels of abilities, Rebecca engages her students through her own passion for teaching music.

't let performance anxiety or nerves get you down! I will do my best to help you improve your confidence in your voice and your stage presence. Feel free to reach out if you're interested, and I look forward to hearing from you!