Opera Voice Lessons

in Passaic.

Amazing Teachers.

work with many schedules and work loads, but I expect my students to put at least half the effort into their lessons that I do!

nts age 12-18, I emphasize a combination of folk songs, Disney, a limited selected pop music, and more. Ages 5-11 I use a combination of vocal method books for very young singers in addition to selected musical theatre and Disney songs.

My voice students have performed on and off Broadway, been nominated for NJ Paper Mill Playhouse's Rising Star Awards, have been accepted to pre-college musical theater programs on full scholarship, have earned multiple leading roles in high school musicals and plays, have performed major choral works at Carnegie Hall, have sung in church choirs and for weddings, and have released their own pop/rock albums.

I look forward to the pleasure of meeting and working with you!

Piano Lesson Details:
We will primarily use Bastien method books, Faber Piano Adventures, Dozen A Day, and other supplemental material according to age and level of the student. Musicianship and theory skills are explored and nurtured in addition to acquiring a foundation of technique at the piano.

Voice Lesson Details:
You will explore, re-awaken and nourish your creativity in music. Develop a solid foundation in vocal technique through effective tools and exercises based in the Bel Canto tradition (addressing breath, posture, alignment, an open throat, phonation, resonance, articulation, registration)

Address your personal practice/performance goals. Deepen self-awareness (body, aural, and emotional awareness), musicianship, interpretation, performance, and musicality

Learn a variety of repertoire, according to your needs and development

Cultivate your artistry for application in practice, audition, and performance settings

-Experience JOY in singing

Regardless of age or skill level, I approach students with respect and professionalism within a safe and supportive environment, fostering enlightenment and creativity.

We will take your vocal study at your own pace through a personalized, holistic approach that will help you sing easily and beautifully. I can't wait for you to join me!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Studio: Piano/keyboard 88 keys, open space, full length mirror.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect my students to provide a piano or keyboard, music stand if possible, and a mirror (full length if possible.)

*** Specialties ***
I emphasize a variety of holistic methods that serve the student in multiple ways: physical, emotional, aural awareness; posture and alignment; low-centered/connected breathing, breath compression; open throat, released tongue/jaw; legato line, phrasing; articulation, diction, style, artistry; the process of learning a piece of music. Genres: Classical, Musical Theatre, Pop. I enjoy helping students to prepare for auditions and performances, as well as explore the art of singing and encourage the joy of singing.

which encompasses the vocal onset and the closure of the vocal folds. Students realize that proper breath management and producing tone go hand in hand. The ideal that the student and I work towards is a balance between superfluous air flow and and pressed pressure. This concept leads to a clean onset in which the edges of the vocal folds cleanly come together and stay closed during singing.

Students also learn how to negotiate and coordinate the vocal registers. This means that every student who walks into my studio learns where and what the larynx is. It is my job to be a second set of ears to help the student optimize his or her tone quality by maximizing vocal resonance. This concept may be different across genres, however every student learns how to begin coordinating the vocal process.

HOW I TEACH
My aim as a teacher of voice is to be flexible and innovative, and provide students with a clear and honest assessment. I strive to explain to each singer exactly how to complete a task, whether maintaining the position of inhalation or correcting posture. In lessons, I refrain from being demonstrative so that the student can find his or her own unique sound without attempting to copy my sound. I use this method so that the student learns how to be her own teacher. This way, the student will be able to identify and correct her own vocal problems. When I am not present, the student will have confidence in her skills and can make educated corrections in practice, rehearsals, and in performances.

TECHNIQUE
Throughout the course of lessons, it is my job to identify the most effective resonating space for the student and give her the skills to maintain that space. It is through the combination of effective breath management using appoggio and flow-phonation that the student becomes most efficient. Finding the most efficient technique for the student involves discovering the proper laryngeal position for the student’s voice type and by practicing continuity through all of the registers.

As all of the aspects of technique are being built in the studio, it is my job to ensure that I am building a musician. This means that I go over how the student needs to learn a piece and how to perform a piece. Often times with young students, they do not have the musical skills to teach themselves the pieces assigned. Sometimes the voice teacher’s job is to “plunk out the notes.” I highly encourage my students to take piano lessons and to use technology resources to aid them in building musicianship so they feel confident reading music. This process takes time, but it is the first step in building a competent performer.

MY GOALS
I always cater to the students tastes while still meeting requirements, if any. I believe that this fosters joy and excitement in music. My goal as a voice teacher not only involves building a good singer, but creating a performer. I make sure that I not only find performing opportunities for my students, but also I create them. Every semester I hold a studio recital for my students to perform their repertoire in front of an audience. In the Fall of 2015 I founded a local opera company in order to bring classical music to the community. My students made up the chorus of Handel’s Messiah that we performed that December. In addition, I have invited my students to participate in the church choir I direct every week. I believe that learning how to sing must take place in the studio, but the most important thing that I can do as a teacher is to make sure that the student knows how to transfer the skills learned in the classroom to real-world performing experiences.

APPROACH
I believe in a holistic approach to teaching, which involves connection to the text and acting. Though I cover many of these aspects in the studio, it is extremely beneficial for students to go outside of the studio and engage in physical courses such as yoga, Alexander technique, acting and dance. I personally engage in these activities to relate to my students and to be able to explain how we need to engage the body in singing. I also encourage my students to have coachings with other professionals to gain more insight into their repertoire.

Not every student who comes to my studio wants to sing opera. Many students want to sing in choir, in church, or just for fun. Overall, I always come from a place of acceptance and non judgement. Every voice is unique and I strive to help my students not only reach their goals, but surpass them.

ABOUT ME
I have been teaching voice and piano since 2010. Not only an avid teacher, I have performed in music festivals all over the world including The American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria, Accademia Europa dell’Opera in Lucca, Italy, Angel Vocal Art in Los Angeles, CA, Russian Opera Workshop in Philadelphia, PA, and Highlands Opera Studio in Haliburton, Ontario. I have also performed with companies including Opera San Jose, The Napa Valley Music Association, The San Francisco Youth Chamber Orchestra, Opera on the Spot, and The Solano Chamber Society.

I earned my Doctorate of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance, Pedagogy, and Literature from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA with Kevin McMillan. During my time in Harrisonburg, I founded Harrisonburg Opera Theatre and was the church choir director at Sunnyside Retirement Community Meredith Chapel.
I completed my Post-Graduate Artist Diploma in Voice at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music under the tutelage of acclaimed opera singer, Deborah Voigt. While in San Francisco, I interned in the Education Department of San Francisco Opera and taught Kindergarten and First grade music with the San Francisco Conservatory in the Schools mentor-ship program. I also received a full scholarship to attend the Rubin Institute for Music Criticism.

I earned my Masters of Fine Arts in Vocal Performance from the University of California, Irvine at the Claire Trevor School of the Arts where she sang the National Anthem for President Barack Obama at the school’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. At UC Irvine, I received critical acclaim for my portrayal of Euridice in Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice, and as the Soprano in Pergolesi's Stabat Mater.

I specialize in the Alfred Series for piano and My First Piano Adventure for young students. This approach focuses on ear training and reading music. Custom exercises and choice of material is based on the student's level and field of study. Lessons are scheduled at the student's convenience as per availability. Frequency and length of lessons is based on the students needs.

Young voice students are taught general concepts, music theory, and ear training. After the voice is more mature, advanced and serious vocal study can be pursued. Melissa's students receive a well-rounded training in the style of their choice: Classical, Popular, Musical Theatre, and Jazz.

I emphasize solid technique, posture, breathing, and control, in addition to music fundamentals.

, Eugene Friesen (four-time Grammy Award-winner), Sandeep Das (two-time Grammy nominee), Mike Block, and Hozier (2015 Grammy Nominee).

dren.

I'm excellent with children and adults alike, having spent years developing skills teaching and performing to the highest standards, all my students are pushed to be the best possible!
Am comfortable teaching anyone, from beginners to coaching professionals!

’ Association, and a member of NATS, NYSTA, AMTL, NOA, and Opera America.

PERFORMER: I graduated from the Juilliard School, and New York University, and was a Finalist in the competition of the Center for Contemporary Opera. I’ve sung principal roles with Vineyard Theater, Encompass Theater, Stonington Opera Arts, Vertical Player Repertory, Pensacola Opera, Chattanooga Opera, Rockland Opera, Bronx Opera, and others. Soloist at Carnegie Hall (Stern Auditorium and Weill Recital Hall), the 92nd Street Y, Austrian Cultural Forum, the Actors Studio, and other venues in the United States, Italy, and Switzerland. Press reviews have cited my "warm and persuasive singing,” and described me as "a wonderful singing actor."