Hello! I am a professional soprano who has performed in operas and concerts all over the world, from Beijing to Paris. My most recent in-person performances were the title role in Donizetti's opera Anna Bolena with dell'Arte Opera Ensemble and the title role of Handel’s Alcina with Lyra New York. I hold a Master's in Music from Manhattan School of Music and Bachelor's degrees in Music and German from the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State University. I have also received training at summer programs like Bel Canto at Caramoor, Lyric Opera Studio Weimar, and Opera on the Avalon. Although nearly a decade past grad school, I continue to coach, take lessons, and attend the best of the NYC music offerings, so I am always learning new things to share with my students. I've been fortunate to study with several wonderful voice teachers, including Joan Patenaude-Yarnell (Anthony Roth Costanzo's teacher) and Pat Misslin (Renee Fleming's teacher). The brilliant musician with whom I have studied with for the past ten years, however, is Fred Carama, who has taught numerous Metropolitan Opera stars, who has helped me realize my goals, and whose techniques I now teach. Outside of singing and teaching singing, I also tutor standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, and GRE and help college and job applicants prepare essays and cover letters. For fun, I like to run outside, do yoga, watch Call My Agent, and snoop on other people's dogs in the dog park. I also just finished reading my first full book in French! (Ok, it was only 120 pages in large print, but one step at a time...) Although originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, I am currently based in Brooklyn, NY, and I rent studios both there and in Manhattan. If you are an NYC local, feel free to reach out to me about in-person lessons.
Teaches all skill levels
Teaching since 2011
Masters of Music in Vocal Performance
Teaches ages 13+
Has background check
Ellen has a deep resume and brings so much experience to lessons!
Ellen is an experienced instructor and an expert in her craft. Extremely professional.
Ellen is a very kind and patient teacher. The depth of knowledge she has about vocal technique is immense and she knows how to convey information in a very digestible manner. It's been a pleasure learning from her and I look forward to more lessons!