Opera Voice with Michelle Kei I.

A soprano of Japanese and American heritage, Michelle Kei "uses her strong dramatic soprano to slice through the orchestra" in a varied repertoire that encompasses Verismo to Broadway. Possessing a captivating stage presence and praised as "superb," "gifted," and a "constant breakaway from the rest of the vocal pack," she has entertained audiences on stages around the world. Those are the first two sentences of my professional biography. I thought I'd use them to get the ball rolling. Ever since I can remember, I've always been a performer. I come from a very musical family. I sang at home, in church, in show-choir and musicals at school - basically anywhere I could find an audience! When I decided to go to college to study music, I chose the prestigious School of Music at Indiana University. I wanted to sing Broadway, but my father encouraged me to study classical singing first, so I'd have the foundations for a bulletproof technique that could endure a long and demanding career. I'm so glad that he did! I learned how to fill a theater with the sound of my voice and soar over the orchestra WITHOUT A MICROPHONE!!! Would you like to learn how to do that? I can show you how. Let me help you find your REAL VOICE!!! A successful performance is not just about singing, so I'll also show you how to connect to the character and keep the eyes, ears, and hearts of your audience focused squarely on YOU. My students have had great success in reaching their artistic goals. Every one of my students who have auditioned for entrance into collegiate music programs have been accepted into prestigious music schools (San Francisco Conservatory, Manhattan School of Music, Indiana University) with generous offers of financial aid. My students also regularly earn leading roles in their school and community musical theater productions. What you can expect from me: - I will provide an inclusive, supportive and effective work environment. - I will assign repertoire based upon your goals - I will provide you with an individualized regimen of study based upon your strengths and development, not a standardized curriculum of study. What I expect from you: - Learn the musical selections we choose. The primary focus of your lesson should be improving your technique. - Enjoy the process. Experiment. Take constructive criticism as an opportunity for improvement, not as a personal attack. - Commit yourself fully! Be engaged. The benefit you receive is equal to the work you put into the process.