Lesson Details
Songwriting
- Levels Taught:
- Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Christiaan teaches
About
- Teaches students:
- Ages 5+
- Teaching since:
- 2005
Christiaan is a multi-talented performer in theater, opera, and pop music. He played Gaston in the Broadway tour of Beauty and the Beast. Something of a bad boy, he was kicked out of Opera School for singing jazz, yet he went on to earn three music degrees, and work with opera legend Marilyn Horne and avant-garde composer Jake Heggie. Now he's in New York studying with Lady Gaga's teacher and singing his own arrangements of Ed Sheeran, Maroon 5, and John Mayer at Carnegie Hall while writing and recording pop songs in Nashville and the U.K. Look for his new single That's When You Know.
Christiaan enjoys seeing people succeed, so his approach to teaching is a combination of play and practice. Ultimately we sing because we want to bring people joy, yet to do so, we must hone our talents to perfection. By mixing the joy of music with discipline, we achieve our greatest dreams.
Experience
Gaston
Aug 2015 - Jul 2016Performed all 326 of 326 shows as Gaston.
Education
Certificate of Opera Performance
Aug 2010 - May 2012MM - Voice
Aug 2008 - Jun 2010BM - Voice Performance
Aug 2004 - May 2008Languages
Czech
French
German
German Latin
Italian
Italian Latin
Russian
Yiddish
Awards
Phyllis Curtain Award
Aug 2011Nora Sands Award
Mar 2009Affiliations
Actors' Equity Association
Jan 2017Actors' Equity Association, founded in 1913, is the labor union that represents more than 49,000 Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society.
+ Read MoreAmerican Guild of Musical Artists
Jan 2012An American labor union that represents 8,000 current and retired opera singers, ballet and other dancers, opera directors, backstage production personnel at opera and dance companies, and figure skaters.
Photos & Videos
21 Reviews
Write a ReviewBest singing instructor I’ve ever had! Over the years it’s been hard to find a balance of a good learning experience and comfortability when taking lessons. One or the other was always lacking, but not with Christiaan! I learn so much AND have a good time. I feel myself improving and getting more confident each lesson.
+ Read MoreGreat, thanks a lot! got somewhere!
Christiaan has been working on his own music for quite some time and his knowledge of various musical genres to reference and borrow from for influences and ideas is so vast based on his long background in music. What is refreshing about working with him is he is open to so many forms of music. As he states it, " music is music". it provides a fresh approach. I am very pleased with this expanded viewpoint.
+ Read MoreI was a little nervous but he put me at ease. He allowed me to go at my own pace. I would definitely recommend him.
Christiaan is the real deal in terms of singing, with capabilities in multiple genres (opera, Broadway, popular, etc). Very knowledgeable and easygoing style. I really enjoy learning from him!
Best Instructor Ever. Although, by default, because in truth he's the only instructor I've ever had. Took the leap to get some training in an effort to dazzle my fiance at our wedding coming up this summer. Was I apprehensive? Sure! Was I skeptical? Absolutely! Was I intimidated? Perhaps. Were any of these fears justified?? Not at all!!! Christiaan has been warm, welcoming, and most importantly a great coach. I have felt that I've improved quite a bit considering I've only had two lessons so far. I can only imagine the results after all five. I might even opt for five more. That being said, he certainly will NOT disappoint. Anyone who has a passion for vocal art or motivated to up their level, I highly recommend you put the excuses aside, and hit this dude up. He knows what he's doing, and his accomplishments speak for themselves.
+ Read MoreNice and patient teacher! I highly recommend him!
Christiaan is great! Very encouraging, patient and knowledgeable. I'm looking forward to my continued lessons with him.
Hi guys, does someone have Christians number ?
Awesome lesson and can't wait for the next one
So far, so good! Christiaan is friendly and supportive and encouraging. Not to mention, an awesome singer himself. Looking forward to future lessons!
Thank you Christiaan for sharing your expertise. Your breathing techniques, workouts and discipline really helped me. Your background knowledge is terrific. You are among the best teachers and communicators I have had to advance my style. I am so appreciative.
+ Read MoreChristiaan was so helpful and knowledgeable about Ableton software. He helped me navigate and load new sounds, as well as work on some original music with such ease. He has an amazing grasp of music composition that strengthens the what one can do with this software. i really gained a lot from my lesson.
+ Read MoreI have always enjoyed singing and never had formal training. Christiaan is a patient and encouraging instructor. I learned so much about control and breathing in a short time. He has such extensive knowledge to share.
Christiaan is an awesome instructor. He guides me through the most informative and productive lessons! Highly recommend him to anyone looking to improve at any level!
Loving the opera lessons, Christiaan!
Christiaan came to our apartment and really helped my son get ready for audition season