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Levels taught:
Beginner, Intermediate, AdvancedAbout Kathleen B.
I am a classically-trained opera singer. I have a Bachelors and Masters in Vocal Performance and Vocal Pedagogy (teaching), and have sung professionally in the U.S. and Europe. I have sung Opera, Operetta, Musical Theater and Concerts, as well as choral and cantorial singing. I have been a finalist and winner of vocal competitions in both the United States and Europe.
I have been teaching voice since 1980, and have worked with students of all ages, from 14 to 75. I have also directed and designed for musical theater and opera. Because I love singing, I want to bring that to my students as well, whatever kind of music they want to sing. I love children, but I do not work with girls or boys younger than 14.
In addition to music, I also teach English (ESL), Accent Reduction, German, U.S. & World History. I have my CBEST Credential And ESL Certification. I do private tutoring and teach classes.
*** Lesson Details ***
I believe that learning how to breath is the key to good singing. After 3 months of study, my students will have learned how to breathe, which improves both their singing and speaking voices. Good breathing is the key to good singing and a healthy voice. With a healthy, well-trained voice, my students can be valuable members of any vocal ensemble, and enjoy their singing, For solo singing, good breathing is most important, whether singing opera, musical theater or pop music, because it gives a beautiful, full quality to the voice.
I always begin a lesson with warm-up exercises, to check breathing and vocal placement. Once the (vocal) engine is warmed-up, then we begin to sing. I try to get to know my students, so that, together, we can choose music that will enable them to reach their goals and is both fun and challenging for them to sing.
In addition to music, I also teach English (ESL), Accent Reduction, German, U.S. & World History. I have my CBEST Credential And ESL Certification. I do private tutoring and teach classes.
*** Studio Equipment ***
Separate studio with Piano
I have a MacBook Pro laptop computer + stereo speakers, to provide recorded accompaniment, when necessary.
*** Travel Equipment ***
If a student wishes to have on-site lessons, I require that a piano or keyboard be available for the lessons.
I usually travel with my MacBook Pro laptop computer & stereo speakers, to provide recorded accompaniment, when necessary.
*** Specialties ***
I am a trained opera/oratorio singer, but I teach Broadway, Pop, choral and classical singers.
I have had many international students who didn't speak English well. Music is an international language that helps me communicate with all of my students!
Reviews
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I took away a whole array of new strategies and techniques to help preserve my voice and to increase my range. What a surprise- I had no idea I could sing so high!! Kathleen is a wonderful teacher and a really super lady. I'll be back for more lessons in the fall.

My daughter is really enjoying her voice lessons. Kathleen is a talented, caring teacher and knows how to make the process effective and fun for my daughter. My daughter loves being able to choose the songs she wants to learn, and this collaborative process keeps her quite interested and inspired.
Excellent Voice Teacher
Mrs. B is a wonderful and dedicated teacher who focuses diligently during class sessions. She thoroughly explains terms and technique and is friendly and sociable. Her extensive knowledge of languages comes extremely useful in Italian arias and other folk songs as to explain the meanings of words and to convey motion. Her classes are enjoyable and fun, while still being comprehensively academic.
I have improved a lot thanks to Kathleen
To date, 3 lessons, but still have improved enormously. High notes once scary are beginning to float. She, in few words, but vivid gesture has shown me well-grounded use of my body.
Speaker
She was good and gave helpful, useful techniques right from the get-go. Had it not been for the distance and my highly compacted schedule, I would have continued.
Photos & Videos
5 Photos & VideosExperience
Opera & Operetta Singer
Jan 1989 - Jun 1995Theater Zeitz — Zeitz, Germany
Opera & Operetta Singer, performing lead roles in all Operas and Operettas as well as Musical Theater and Concerts performed in the theater season
Opera Singer/DON GIOVANNI
Jan 1992 - Nov 1992Theater Rudolstadt
Performed "Donna Anna" in DON GIOVANNI (Mozart)
Operetta Singer/DER OPERNBALL, DER ZIGEUNERBARON, DER BETTLSTUDENT, DIE LUSTIGE WITWE
Aug 1989 - Aug 1991Münchener Opernbühne (Tournee Bühne)
Performed leading roles in four operettas
Operetta Singer/DER ZAREWITSCH
Aug 1990 - May 1991Musikalische Komödie/Leipzig
Performed "Sonja" in DER ZAREWITSCH
Education
Certificate
Jul 1985 - Aug 1986Universität Graz — Deutsch in Graz (Austria)
Master of Music
Aug 1978 - Jun 1983University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music (1978-1983)
Bachelor of Music
Aug 1974 - Jun 1978Baylor University (1974-1978)
Languages
French
Limited Proficiency
German
Fluent / Native Proficiency
Italian
Limited Proficiency
Spanish
Professional Proficiency
Certifications
CBEST
Dec 2007Califirnia Teaching Commission
Awards
2nd Prize
Mar 1992Robert Stolz Operetta Singer Competition
2nd Prize
Mar 1974WORD, Inc. "Young Singer of the Year" Competition
Affiliations
National Association of Teachers of Singing
Apr 1978Let Our Student Counselors Help You
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