Bishop, VA Opera Voice Lessons

During my time with students, I strive to assist them in taking risks, discovering the joy of music, and making progress with their singing. No matter what their goals are- All-State Choir, opera, musical theatre, or just having fun, I love helping them reach them. By looking at different genres of vocal music, we will focus on many different aspects of singing, from music theory, to expressive performance, to the foundation of healthy singing.

I believe that every student is unique and learns in his or her own way. Therefore, I tailor the pace and focus of lessons on each student’s interests and abilities. I believe it is integral for all students to have an understanding of music theory and therefore, work on theory and sight-reading. In addition, I think a well-rounded musical education is key, and work on an array of genres with my students including folk songs, art songs, and musical theatre. Students will work on 2-5 songs at once, and will consider a song "learned" once ...

Whether it is classical, contemporary, or anything in between - the building blocks for the voice are all the same.

Craig, baritone, is an emerging vocal pedagogue. While still young in his field, he believes that the foundation for singing is the same no matter the genre. By observing what each students needs, Craig helps his students achieve their goals, while pushing them to discover new ones as well.

Craig is a Master's Student for Vocal Pedagogy at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where he is the assistant to the program's director. In 2016, he received his BM from Capital University in Vocal Performance, focusing on Opera and Musical Theatre. He firmly believes in challenging oneself to progress with singing.

Hi future students!!!

We all know to be an opera singer is hard work and very difficult. However, it is not impossible. Technique is key and I am here to help you build technique in order for you to reach your goal. Also, we will have fun learning and singing because learning is fun! We will study breath support, and breath control, as well mouth positions, forward sound, the larynx and how to keep and open throat. I will also teach you and help you strengthen your registers as well as blend them.

You can expect to have fun while learn how to sing Opera. All the drama, acting, stage movement, make up will be part of your singing craft.

As a voice instructor with over 20 years experience in the private studio, college environment, church ministry, high school chorus master teacher, and as a free-lance performer, I understand that each student requires tools and techniques unique to their needs to grow and improve. Focusing on the basics of breath control, efficient support, and healthy vocal production, my gift of hearing and assessing each student's strengths and weaknesses allows me to create lessons catered to each singer's specific needs.

With a Master of Music in vocal performance from Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University, an appreciation of various styles of music, and my personal investment in each individual singer, I am able to successfully share my knowledge of the vocal instrument and my love of music with my students. I am proud of my student success rate with many singers pursuing degrees in music at the collegiate level, winning competitions, earning roles in local and community ...

I have studied classical voice from the age of 13 with instructors from The Metropolitan Opera. I have sung classical arias in Italian, German, French and Latin.

In our lesson, we will focus on the three pillars of singing: Alignment, breathing, and relaxation. We will work on classical vocal technique through simple exercises. I have exercises for people of all vocal ranges and types. I will adapt my lessons to your specific needs.

We will select the perfect music for you to work on, and I will accompany you on piano. If the music is in a foreign language, I can work on pronunciation with you. If needed, I will record piano tracks for you to practice in between lessons.

Feel free to reach out with any questions. I can't wait to get started!

I am Collegiate voice instructor, who has had students in Broadway touring musicals, Tony award nominees, members of Opera companies, and local Community Theaters. I can teach both Bel Canto and Commercial Contemporary Music [CCM] as well as Lyric Diction. I speak fluent French and German as well.

As a voice major at Brigham Young University I memorized a 300 page Italian opera in 10 days. Learning songs efficiently and focusing on having fun with the music is my focus.