Lesson Details
Singing
- Levels Taught:
- Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Vocal performance
Diction
Desiree teaches
About
- Teaches students:
- Ages 5+
- Teaching since:
- March 2005
I'm excited to be a TakeLessons instructor and to be able to share my experience and knowledge with you. I have been a singer and performer for over 20 years and have taught voice and beginning piano for six years.
I received a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. I continued my studies in New York City in voice, acting and diction.
I continue to be an active performer specializing in musical theater, opera and concert. I began my professional career as an apprentice with the Portland Opera in Oregon. Since then, I have appeared with opera companies and orchestras throughout the United States and abroad and am a frequent guest vocalist and recitalist.
Recently, I performed with Alia Musica here in Pittsburgh premiering works by local composers and created the role of Pamela in the premiere of TOOWHOPERA by composer Sorrel Hays in Rome, GA. On the concert stage, I have recently appeared with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Orchestra, Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra, Chattanooga Bach Choir and CreateHere's Hops and Opera.
Highlights of my performances include Queen of the Night in Die Zauberflote with West Bay Opera, Stockton Opera, Opera San Jose and Pocket Opera, Despina in Cosi fan tutte with Mission City Opera, Blonde in Abduction from the Seraglio and Yvette in La Rondine with Pocket Opera, Cunegonde in Candide with Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. Other roles include Rosa Bud in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Abigail in The Crucible, Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance, Zerlina in Don Giovanni, Madame Herz in The Impresario, Lucy in Threepenny Opera, Monica in The Medium, and Pamina in The Magic Flute.
I was a featured performer in a series of concerts in Europe, South America, and Australia aboard Cunard's Vistafjord and Royal Viking Sun.
I was named a world finalist in the Luciano Pavarotti International Voice Competition, a regional finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, a semi-finalist in the Jenny Lind Competition and a regional winner in the MacAllister Competition.
*** Lesson Details ***
Whether it is preparing for a competition, an audition or a role for the school play, I enjoy helping students of all ages reach their goals. I structure the curriculum to the individual needs of my students, focusing on healthy vocal technique, musicianship, stage presence, and joy in music.
During your first lesson, you will sing various vocalises to determine how you negotiate the changes in registration, what your vocal range is, and what you have to work on to improve your vocal quality, stamina, and flexibility.
If you do not see an available time, please call Takelessons. I sometimes have availability that is not visible on my calendar.
*** Studio Equipment ***
Living Room: baby grand, couch, chair, bench, small table, adjoining dining room where parents can wait.
Photos & Videos
27 Reviews
Write a ReviewDesiree is fantastic and my 9 year old daughter really looks forward to her lesson each week.
Great job
Desiree is a terrific vocal coach! I just completed my third lesson and am very impressed with her skills and ability to refine my breathing, diction and vocal continuity. Atmosphere is extremely inviting and she is very pleasant while also staying highly focused and on task. After taking some time off from singing, I was looking for someone who could get me back in shape vocally with a combination of classic training and some crossover to musical theatre. She fits the bill very well!
+ Read MoreMs. Desiree is a very nice teacher. My daughter likes her very much! Thanks a lot !
The atmosphere is very inspiring and Desiree's teaching methodology gets at the core of your performance technique and improves it.
My 9 year old felt very comfortable with Desiree and enjoyed her first lesson.
Desiree is an excellent voice teacher. She really helped my daughter (age 10 at the time) tremendously, and made it a very fun and enjoyable experience. We plan to start up voice lessons again real soon.
Desiree has made an immediate and positive connection with my 12 year old daughter, and really supported her in working past her nerves. I am very impressed with what I've seen and heard!
She is so nice and friendly!
I really enjoyed my first lesson with Desiree. She was an excellent teacher and made me feel relaxed and confident. I am looking forward to my next lesson and hopefully many more in the future.
She was wonderful! Her teaching style is very personable. She is very flexible. She takes her time with you. Certainly recommend!
She has helped me tremendously! We have a good time learning and laughing during my lessons with her. She had also helped me to stop listening to what others think about my voice and focus on believing in myself as I learn and progress. Risks l thanks
Desiree puts the fun in fundamentals!
I decided to take voice lessons for pleasure as a hobby to keep my mind off of the stresses of daily life. I had a lot of confidence issues to get over when I started taking lessons with Desiree; mainly because I didn't want to embarrass myself like those people I make fun of on American Idol. Her non-threatening teaching style has been the perfect fit for me...although she does raise her voice at me when I judge myself too harshly, but I won't count against her ;) My confidence has soared and I feel that I'm a much bolder and more comfortable singer. Iâm enjoying every minute of discovering my voice with Desiree. I've still got some work to do but I'm confident she'll help me reach my goals.
Voices are a Gift
Desiree has helped my sister and I develop our vocal skills and work to our full potential. She has also helped us realize that our voices are a gift and we need to treasure them. Desiree has strengthened our confidence in signing in front of people as well as signing in general. She is more than just a teacher she is a role model and a person we feel we can count on.
Perfect teacher, perfect venue!
Desiree Soteres is the perfect vocal teacher for students of all ages. She is has an excellent performance, as well as academic, background. She is patient and knows how to draw the best out of her students.
Desiree's studio is as fine as any you could possibly find in the most professional of settings and far exceeded my expectations. In addition to this, the location is VERY safe and has easy access to public transportation. Parking is also easily found on its quiet, tree-lined street.
Choose this teacher and her studio with complete confidence!
if you dream it you can do it
First off there isn't enough room for all the things I want to say lol. Desiree is probably the best teacher I could have imagined having.
She is patient and understanding and amazing at helping you learn singing skills.
I'm one of those people that think too much into something but she figured out ways to help me understand.
I love my voice and I understand how to use it
Thank you Desiree!!
Student
Desiree is an amazing teacher. She's very knowledgeable, nonjudgmental, and easy going. She offers great feedback and is a pleasure to work with!
Patient and Adaptable
I've very pleased with Desiree. She's non judgmental and supportive regardless of your skill level. She doesn't make you feel inadequate, but instead stives to find your strengths and work from there.
Mom
Friendly and encouraging, seems to be working out well.
Knowledgable, talented, patient, & truly committed
Desiree is an excellent voice instructor!! She listens intently, evaluates, and provides feedback in a very constructive manner. If the student is stumped with learning a technique or improving upon something specific, she recommends a solution. And if that solution doesn't work with the student, she has alternate methods to achieve the same end results. She is very patient; committed, and a pleasure to work with. I recommend her very highly as a voice instructor!
She is great. My daughter loves her and her singing is improving tremendously
Great Experience
Desiree is a great teacher. She really listens to what you say and caters lessons to your specific needs. I highly recommend her.
everything has been great. Desiree is very patient and a great instructor for my 9 year old daughter
Awesome
The techniques she has taught me so far has helped tremendously. I love Desiree she trys her best to make me feel comfortable. If your in the pittsburgh area and your looking for a vocal teacher she's the lady to see
layla ferbey
desiree is wonderful teacher and great person
Desiree is a real pro; as a singer and a teacher. She understands the student's objectives and tailors the lessons accordingly. She is both supportive and challenging. She is personable and easy to be with.
my 10 yr old daughter is the student
my daughter takes piano lessons and Desiree is patient and explains things in detail and makes sure she understands before moving on to the next....she is very good with trying to make sure the student doesnt't get overwhelmed, encoutaging and motivational