Wayne, PA Opera Voice Lessons

Julia Dehning in the world premier of the opera The Making of Americans at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. She received her Master's degree in vocal performance from The Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University, where, upon graduation, she was awarded The Phyllis Bryn-Julson Prize for Commitment to and Performance of 20th and 21st Century Music.

Ms. S. currently serves on the Board of Directors of MATA, an organization dedicated to supporting young composers from around the world. She is also co-founder, along with award winning superstar composers Lisa Bielawa and Aaron Jay Kernis, of Your Music Bus, and is the founder and director of Stone Mason Projects, a boutique production company specializing in endeavors related to new music for voice. She is in high demand as a voice teacher for competitive students and professional singers, and lectures on the social significance of music history topics related to contemporary repertoire.

Pamela has been teaching music and voice for more than ten years. Currently, she teaches voice and music theory at Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts Extension Division for their Young Artist Program, and is on the voice faculty of the College of Saint Elizabeth in Morristown, NJ. Prior to these positions, she was an adjunct lecturer at City College of New York, CUNY where she taught music theory, musicianship, and composition. Additionally, she spent two years as the chair of the voice department at The College of Saint Elizabeth, where she has taught private vocal instruction, as well as lecture courses in music history, music theory, vocal pedagogy, and ear training.

Pamela's students have performed with Paper Mill Playhouse, Continuo Arts Foundation, Assisi Performing Arts Festival in Italy, Carnegie Hall, Opera at Florham, the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey, In Mid Air Productions, and many other companies around the East Coast and abroad. Her students have placed in vocal competitions including Mid Atlantic Music Festival, Golden Key, National League of Performing Arts festival, and many others. In addition to her work as a teacher of music, Pamela has worked as a Teacher's Assistant at Columbia University's Department of Astronomy, for the class Theories of the Universe: From Babylon to the Big Bang.

Pamela also maintains a private studio of voice students, and is available to give lessons from her home in Newtown, PA. In the past, Pamela worked for Rider University as a private tutor for students in music theory, music history, and French. Pamela was active in the vocal pedagogy program at The Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University through which she taught voice lessons while earning her master's degree in vocal performance. Pamela has held substitute positions teaching voice and piano at Spotlight Music in Flemington, New Jersey and was on the roster of teachers at Bravissimo Music, a branch of Ivy Bound Test Prep.

*** Lesson Details ***
My teaching is goal oriented but always supportive and encouraging. Students can expect lessons to consist of vocal technique building and repertoire study. Lessons are very individually geared towards each student's unique needs and goals. Students who follow my instruction always see and hear results.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect the student to have a piano, or at least a high quality electric keyboard.

*** Specialties ***
classical voice, contemporary music performance

both), I tailor lessons to suit each student's needs. I would like to enable you to meet your musical goals, whatever they may be.

***Lesson Details and Recommendations***

Singing voice: I teach classical vocal technique with an emphasis on the body-mind connection. Through the course of my training, I have studied the Alexander Technique, which is a method that has been used by actors, musicians, and athletes to find optimal body-mind coordination to achieve better results. The voice is the only instrument that is literally your body, so we will be using these tools to improve posture, breathing, and resonance. By learning a healthy vocal technique, you can expect improved tone quality, an expanded vocal and dynamic range, greater resonance, increased agility, improved diction, and more. Healthy vocal technique can be applied to any genre, and I teach students who are studying a wide variety of music, but classical and musical theater repertoire is my area of expertise.

Speaking voice: I have had great success helping students who come to me for help with their speaking voices. As the speaking voice and singing voice use the same set of muscles, the same set of functional principles apply. I work with students to improve their posture, breathing, and breath support when speaking, as well as clear diction, better pacing, and conveying emotion and meaning. These tools also lead to increased confidence when speaking.

Piano: I am also an established piano teacher and have had much success teaching beginning and intermediate students from ages 4 to 91 in various styles of music. I believe it is important for students to learn how to read and interpret written music as well as understand the structure behind it, so in addition to learning musical basics, I incorporate music theory into lessons. I encourage my piano students to learn how to read lead sheets and create chord accompaniments as well, which opens the door for comfortably playing in all sorts of styles sooner than would be possible by classical approaches alone. I also work on improvisation and songwriting with my piano students, if desired.

***Lesson Recommendations***
I offer lessons in 30, 45, and 60 minute increments. These are the *minimum* lesson lengths recommended. Longer lessons are more beneficial, except in the case of children with smaller attention spans. A 60 minute lesson is the best choice for serious students (teenagers or adults).

Voice:
Ages <12 years: 30 minutes
Ages 12 and up: 45 minutes

Piano:
Ages <7 years: 30 minutes
Ages 7 and up: 45 minutes

Combination Lesson:
Ages <12 years: 45 minutes
Ages 12 and up: 60 minutes

*Please note: I do not reserve regular lesson times in my schedule for students who cannot commit to weekly lessons. With students who wish to take less frequent lessons, I recommend the flex plan, with lessons to be scheduled as we go at our mutual convenience.

***Educational Background***
Elizabeth holds an M.M. in vocal performance from West Virginia University, where she was featured in numerous WVU Opera Theatre productions and was the soprano soloist with WVU Choirs in Faure's Requiem and Handel's Lord Nelson Mass. While at WVU, Elizabeth resumed taking lessons at the piano, which she had previously studied for many years, and exceeded the piano proficiency level required by the university. She also holds a B.A. in music and international studies from Emory University. Elizabeth has studied and performed internationally, both at the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria, where she was the recipient of the Lemmonds Scholarship, and at the Bel Canto program in conjunction with L'Arena di Verona opera company in Verona, Italy.

As a graduate assistant at WVU, Elizabeth taught voice lessons to music education and performance majors as well as a course on vocal pedagogy. After graduating, she served as adjunct faculty, in which capacity she taught vocal repertoire and opera theater. She has maintained a private studio since 2005, in which she instructs students in voice and piano. She has also held past teaching positions with the Meridee Winters School of Music and Woodland Country Day School.

***Active, Professional Singer/ Actress***
Elizabeth was most recently seen as Joanie in The Full Monty at Candlelight Theatre in Delaware. Other recent performances include June in Musical of Musicals: The Musical and Peaches/ Baby Jane in Jerry Springer: The Opera with Bootless Stageworks in Wilmington, DE, solo performances with the New Voices Cabaret at the Society Hill Playhouse in Center City, and Woman 2 in My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra with Mainstage Center for the Arts in Blackwood, NJ. She has performed numerous leading roles with Philadelphia area Gilbert and Sullivan companies, most notably appearing as Angelina in Trial by Jury with The Savoy Company, winning Best American Production at the 2011 International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival. Her G &S performance credits include the roles of Patience (Patience), Yum-Yum (The Mikado), Rose Maybud (Ruddigore), Phyllis (Iolanthe), and Fiammetta (Gondoliers). Additionally, she has pioneered roles in new operas, including Gwendolyn in The Crowded House at the 2010 Philly Fringe Festival and Zelda in Black Horses with OperaDelaware at the 2009 Wilmington Fringe Festival.

n ballo in maschera with Concert Opera Philadelphia, in March 2013. She will also sing the title role in Suor Angelica with OperaOggi NY in 2012/2013 season. Her most recent roles include Donna Anna in Don Giovanni (New York Lyric Opera Theater), Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte, Nedda in I Pagliacci, Mimì and Musetta in La Bohème, and Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi. Some of the other roles are Violetta in La Traviata, Tatiana in Eugene Onegin, the title role in Iolanta, Marfa in Tsar’s Bride, Pamina in Die Zauberflöte, and Konstanze in Die Entführung aus dem Serail.

In oratorio Ms. S. has performed as a soprano soloist in the Lord Nelson Mass and Theresa Mass of Haydn, Handel’s Messiah, J. S. Bach’s Magnificat, and the Neue Liebeslieder, Opus 65 by Brahms. Her recital and chamber repertoire include songs and song cycles by Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Mussorgsky, Prokofiev, Shostakovich, Dvořak, Manuel de Falla, Poulenc, and Messiaen.

Ms. S. has been the recipient of several awards and scholarships which include Washington International Competition in Washington DC, Center for Contemporary Opera Competition in New York, Giulio Gari Foundation International Vocal Competition in New York, New York Vocal Artists Competition, Peabody Conservatory Graduate Performance Diploma Scholarship and grant, and Mayor’s Scholarship from the University of Pennsylvania where Galina received her undergraduate degrees in music and computer science engineering. Galina has also been chosen to participate in the International Music Competition of the ARD in Munich.

Galina is a graduate of Peabody Conservatory of Music where she received a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance, and University of Pennsylvania, which she finished with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music and Computer Science Engineering.

Ms. S. is a dedicated and enthusiastic voice teacher, who has been teaching for the past ten years. Many of her students have become soloists in their schools’ musical productions, and several went on to continue their studies at major conservatories. She has taught at Cabrini College, Settlement Music School, and is presently teaching at Leopold Mozart Academy. She also offers lessons out of her private studio at her home.

*** Lesson Details ***
My style of teaching is very straight forward. Students will first learn a proper breathing technique which is essential to good vocal production. The lessons always start with simple vocalizations, followed by repertoire appropriate to each student. The development and progress will greatly depend on students initial level and the time they spend practicing at home.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Steinway Grand Piano, Music Stand, Vocal Literature. Large room with hardwood floors, which provides wonderful acoustics for singing.

*** Travel Equipment ***
The student must have a piano or keyboard. I will bring music books.

*** Specialties ***
I have the most experience teaching classical voice - bel canto style of singing which concentrates on proper breathing technique and production of healthy unstressed sound.

Musical "Mamaleh". Sandra has performed in over fifty productions of Musicals, Operetta, and Opera. Some of her favorite roles include: Aldonza (Man of La Mancha), Desiree (A Little Night Music), Marguerite (The Scarlet Pimpernel), Antonia (The Tales of Hoffmann), and Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi).

Most recently, she has performed the role of Lynn Fontanne in Ten Chimneys at Old Academy Players, and played one of the principal roles in Jacque Brel Is Alive And Well and Living In Paris at The Steel River Playhouse.

As a director, Sandra has staged operas for Center City Opera Theater, the Delaware Valley Opera Company, Boheme Opera New Jersey, and the New York Metro Vocal Arts Ensemble. She is currently singing concerts with the vocal group "Touch of Classics", and can be seen in commercials for Time Warner, Cuisinart, The Skooter Store, and Aspercreme.

*** Lesson Details ***
Our lessons will be relaxed and informal. My goal is to make you the best you can be. We will work on giving you a solid vocal technique so that you can approach any style of music with a good foundation. We will also work on learning to read music, and most importantly work on songs that will bring out the actor in you.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Small studio, keyboard, seating provided (couch), street parking

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in musical theater, classical, and opera. I can also teach German and Italian diction. My acting experience is mainly in musical theater.

d Friends, (Marriage of Figaro/ Count Almaviva and Fidelio/ Solo Prisoner), A Touch of Classics (La Boheme/ Schaunard), Center UpCity Opera Theater (Un Ballo in Maschera/ Samuel), the Germantown Oratorio Choir (Messiah), the Sacred Music Series of St. Paul’s in Doylestown (Messiah and Creation) and was also the Baritone soloist for the Verdi Band of Norristown during their 2010 and 2011 seasons.

Matthew is the leader of a professional quartet, The Clarion Voices (www.clarionvoices.com), specializing in A Capella Music of a wide range of musical styles. He also performs recitals in area universities and churches with his Celebration of Song both solo and with Soprano and piano, featuring some of his original compositions. He continues to be a 'ringer' for numerous area choral groups including Vox-Amadeus and since 2011 as part of the Professional Quartet at Beth David Reform Congregation in Gladwynne. Matthew was also the music director for the Huntingdon Valley Presbyterian Church for two years in 2007 and 2008. Matthew is also a freelance trombonist professionally and a composer of classical music.

ar recitals where students can show off their new skills

-I bring all materials to lessons for your convenience (excluding piano)

-singers receive recorded warm ups to practice with at home

-I am skilled at helping students with ear training if they need it for voice, most of my students can match pitch after a month of singing lessons no matter the trouble they have had before

-every student gets a "new student kit" at their first lesson including a list of performance opportunities and a vocal health guide for singers

-weekly instructional videos for voice sent

-weekly links to articles about music and the brain

-I respond to student concerns and questions within 24 hours

I welcome students of all ages and work hard to make music accessible for everyone.

-Young kids in voice can expect their lessons to be fun and educational including using visual tools like scarves and shakers, and imaginative play to learn vocal techniques needed to sing on pitch and with proper breathe control.

-Children in piano lessons will learn music theory and piano technique through simple songwriting exercises, theory games, visual tools and more. They will learn about composer's lives and musical styles, providing them with a well-rounded lesson experience.

-Older children and adult singers can expect to learn about their vocal anatomy in order to better control of their voice and become independent during practice sessions at home. They will learn how to improve breathe control, posture and diction. Time during lessons will also be dedicated to developing stage presence and discussing vocal health. Singers will be allowed to select repertoire from the genre of their choice. They can also learn how to harmonize and sight-sing in lessons if they would like.

-I teach beginning guitar students and help them learn how to play with proper technique and accompany themselves when singing. These students learn to read staff and tab and shape different chords on the guitar. I use theory games and visual tools for kids to make lessons fun

-Music theory/composition students will be taught how to read and write music. Students will be invited to improvise on the piano and record their improvisations.They will be taught how to sight-sing in order to learn how to notate any melodies in their head
They will learn how music has changed and been influenced throughout history. They will learn how to read lead sheets and use stylistic invariants in their playing. They will be provided with honest feedback and constructive help on their compositions.They will learn how the human brain processes music and how best to capitalize upon this process for the greatest audience appeal.

-I have experience teaching students with special needs and adjusting lessons to help them meet their goals.

About me!

I am a Westminster Choir College '11 Alum  who graduated with a Bachelor's of Arts in Music, summa cum laude. I also have my master's degree in music therapy from Drexel University. I am also a Member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and a  Board Certified Music Therapist. During my time at school I performed at Carnegie Hall and the Kimmel Center, and did music therapy work with older adults, as well as disadvantaged children and parents.

I also have my own parent/child music class I host every Thursday September-May. It's never to early to start a music education!

I have been teaching for over four years and now have a studio of more than 70 happy students. Teaching music is my passion, and I love seeing students grow!

I often draw upon my experience from my master's degree in music therapy, which taught me that music can have a profound effect on the human brain and upon cognitive development.  My skills as a music therapist allow me to better understand a student's cognitive strengths and areas for improvement, and to develop individualized teaching strategies which utilize student strengths.

*** Studio Equipment ***
My studios are equipped with keyboard, guitar or piano, as well as a sizable repertoire of classical, broadway and popular music. ' I also have a mirror for voice students to see how their body is moving when singing and visual tools for students like scarves, whiteboard, markers, crayons...ect. I am more than happy to help students find any music they may need for lessons that is not already in my library.

I recommend the following books for piano students (listed by age):
Ages 4-6:
My First Piano Adventure, Lesson Book A with by Nancy & Randall Faber
Ages 6-12:Piano Adventures - Level 1: Lesson Book [Book]Faber Piano Adventures

Ages 12 and up:

Adult All-In-One Course: Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course, Level ...by Willard A. Palmer

Voice: Alfred's Teach Yourself to Sing
*** Specialties ***
I specialize in ear training, sight-singing and knowing and understanding vocal anatomy. Many of my students are students who have gone on to score lead roles in their schools or community theater performances, as well as lead singers of local bands looking to improve their techniques and improve their vocal health.

I specialize in theory and sight-reading for piano and theory students.

I also specialize in teaching those with special needs.

er Center. Last summer, she understudied Sybil Vane in Loehmann’s The Picture of Dorian Grey. In 2013, she performed the role of Suor Osmina in their production of Suor Angelica, and covered the roles of Fortuna and Venere in their production of L’coronazione di Poppea. She also portrayed Pamina, La Contessa, Ilia, Anne Truelove and Laurie Moss in their various scenes programs.

Rachel completed her Bachelor’s of Music at Mannes College in 2012. There, she performed in their Opera Scenes Workshop and their Rise of Modernism Festival, singing Canciones populares Españolas by Manuel de Falla.

technique, but also on finding the inner strength and confidence that it takes to be a singer. I am understanding of, and sympathetic towards students from all different backgrounds and experience levels. My students and I work to create a unique set of goals, and we map out how we get there TOGETHER.

I have experience teaching adults, young adults and children, in pop, musical theater and classical/operatic genres. All of my teaching experience has been in private studio settings.

Here are some of my reviews

"Had my first lesson with Leah and can't wait for my second! I've never had voice lessons before and was nervous and super self-conscious but she was so nice and we jumped right into the lesson." -Tracy D.

"Great teacher. Explains things in a way it's easy to understand. She made me feel very comfortable on the first day and was very attentive to what my goals were." -Christine S.

"Leah listens to a specific need of mine and points me in the right direction to achieve that goal. She also has a wide range of vocal skills and knowledge, so she can pretty much help you tackle any vocal challenge you have." -Eirene Z.

"Leah has a very good personality and makes me feel so comfortable during our classes! I can improve my vocal skills in a very friendly atmosphere knowing she will help me with all my questions." -Yulia S.

"Leah is an awesome and enthusiastic voice teacher and person. She creates a laid back environment and structures the lessons around your individual style and goals. Additionally, she is flexible and works with you to make sure you're able to have a lesson each week. I highly recommend taking lessons with Leah ! :)" --Brandon L.

aching privately and in ensemble settings to children and adults, including beginners and more advanced students. I particularly love working with passionate children, teenagers, and young adults who want to take their musical pursuits to another level, such as to audition for performing arts schools, or become more comfortable and adept in using their constantly growing voices!

While I'm a stickler for perfection, I work in music primarily because I think it's a lot of fun. I strive to foster a learning environment that is enjoyable for my students and prefer teaching methods that are constructive vs. destructive (I don't believe in "building you back up" after tearing you down)! I prioritize HEALTHY use of the voice whether my student is fifteen or fifty: every stage of life poses challenges (and benefits) to the vocal instrument and my specialized study and performing experience aids in me recognizing the good and bad in every singer to help them grow.