Lincoln, VA Opera Voice Lessons

eceive, as well as give, feedback on their singing.

the voice, and usually within a month it will have improved by at least 4 notes either higher or lower.

It is important to note that learning voice is a highly individualized journey, each person will have their own set of strengths and weaknesses, as a teacher it is my job to asses this in a person and craft a curriculum, and style that will fit those individual needs.

I am also adept at navigating local opportunities for students in the Seattle Theater world. I have had students receive callbacks at 5th avenue, perform for Seattle Childrens Theater. Young Actors Institute, Driftwood Players, win multiple pageants and score high in talent as well as acting opportunities in movies and modeling. I am a performer as well and had to navigate through the college system as well as the Seattle theater system and can provide much guidance to those interested with resume, repertoire and audition coaching.

There is no feeling in the world than the freedom and beauty of singing, it is a joy to hear in my students, and very fulfilling to teach this kind of wonderfully positive experience to people of all ages!

I received my B.A. in vocal performance from San Francisco Conservatory of Music in 2009. I am a classically trained singer, however I enjoy all genre’s of music and firmly believe having a classical base in a singing technique will enrich any style of music you wish to work toward. I am devoted to healthy singing, and unlocking your true timbre and voice with extensive breath, and vowel work. As a graduate from a highly competitive music institution I can help in guiding students along the right path of pursuing this art form at a collegiate level.

Theory/Song Writing techniques:

For some students learning music is just as much a part of the lesson as learning to sing. I love teaching people of all ages how to read music, so that the student can be an independent teacher for themselves and learn music on their own at home, this I think is very important in order to improve skills for singing, the faster the student can learn music, the more time can be spent working on technique and improving the sound of the voice.

I graduated from a prestigious Conservatory and had to take very advanced theory classes in order to receive my degree. I also played flute and oboe in orchestra for 10 years, and taught myself how to play piano. I have assisted some of my students interested in writing their own music on chord progressions, and have offered my musical expertise on their compositions. There is nothing like being involved in the creative process of composing and I love supporting my students that decide to explore this art form.

Speaking Lessons:

I have a studio in Bellevue where I work closely with the transgender community as a vocal coach to feminize my clients voices transitioning from male to female. It is a wonderful process and anyone interested please do contact me!

I also teach language diction classes. I am fluent in IPA (international phonetics alphabet) in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. I can help with accent reduction in English or pronunciation in any of the above languages.

A little bit about me:

“Playing alongside Drumheller were a number of young performers like Jordan M., who appeared as Cousin Hebe. A past member of Tacoma Opera's Young Artist Program, she is an emerging artist with a beautiful voice and very appealing stage presence who is slated to appear in several shows in the region this year.” whereissandy.com, Sandy McDade Chair of the ArtsFund Board, 2015

Soprano Jordan M. kicked off 2015 with a role debut of Nancy In Albert Herring with Vashon Opera. She was thrilled to make her 5th Avenue Main Stage debut in The Sound of Music, and to sing in Cry To Heaven part of 5th Avenue's New Works Department, which was a collaboration with writer Anne Rice and academy award nominated composer Matthew Wilder (whose credits include the music of Mulan).  She joined Tyrolean Opera this last summer on a full Scholarship in Maurach, Austria on Lake Achen (Achensee), in a role debut of Gretel in Humperdincks Hansel und Gretel. 

In 2014 she was excited to be in the world premiere of Yoshinaka, by Garrett Fisher with the Fisher Ensemble as Tomoe.  It was an adaptation of the traditional Japanese Tales of Ise, which made it’s world premiere at Seattle’s ACT Theater “Central Heating Lab Series”.  It was a noteworthy collaboration with Munenori Takeda, and The Takeda Noh troupe which consists of members who are Living National Treasures in Japan for their Noh artistry, this collaboration was featured on the front page of The Arts section of the Seattle Times.  

Other notable credits from 2014 include 2nd Lady in The Magic Flute,  Rosina, in Il Barbiere di Siviglia with Tacoma Opera and a recording for Kakitsubata, with The Garrett Fisher Ensemble for Jack Straw Production Studios.  In spring of 2014 Ms. McClellan sang Papagena and 2nd Lady with Skagit Opera, and  N.O.I.S.E. (Northwest opera in schools) for their Washington tour, as well as various Rossini arias with Bremerton Symphony, and two solo recitals with Second-City Chamber Series, and Music Northwest.  She also continues to be involved in recording sessions for Hollywood’s top video game soundtracks, including Starcraft and World of Warcraft.

Jordan is equally at home singing song repertoire as well as early music. She was chosen to participate in Lieder Alive! Singers Studio with Håkan Hagegård in San Francisco, CA where she delved deeper into lieder classics, culminating in a public masterclass.  Ms. McClellan has since been invited to sing several recitals with, Second City Chamber Series, in Lakewood, WA, Music Northwest, in Seattle, Wa, Hearthstone Chapel Recital Series, in Seattle, WA, Skagit Opera, at Lairmont Manor, as well as with Tacoma Opera.  Her recital repertoire varies from Italian Art Song, to Fauré Chanson, Lieder, American Songbook Classics, as well as Irish Folk Songs.  She has particpiated in Accademia D’amore, a summer program lead by Grammy Award winner Stephen Stubbs who is  devoted to educating singers about early music, baroque dance and rhetoric.  Most recently she participated in Bach Meisterkurs, in Leipzig Germany (Bach’s hometown) to learn the art of stylistically singing Bach’s passions.  

Past credits include a 3 month tour with Portland opera singing Hansel in Hansel and Gretel, Phylo in the West Coast premier of Pénélope by Fauré with Vespertine Opera, and her Italian concert debut in Urbania, Italy at the Teatro Bramante.  

Her upcoming engagements include, starring in a local independent film as an opera singer, a role debut of Adalgisa in Skagit Opera’s Norma, singing a solo recital with Music Northwest, a performance with the Fisher Ensemble at Folklife Festival, as well as a performer at the Sankt Goar International Music Festival in Germany.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a recording device, a piano and keyboard, a music stand, lots of music of all genres, a copier/printer, as well as access to making recordings of pieces so that the student can take it home (whether that is CD's or Mp3's).

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide a recording device, piano, keyboard, piano accompaniment (usually a recording), as well as copies of music.

If I travel to a lesson they would have to have a piano or keyboard.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in unlocking an individuals true singing voice,

I do have a 48 hour cancellation policy, I will allow one missed lesson to be reschedule but after that I will have to charge you if you continually miss lessons without letting me know.

signed around the needs of each student. The first lessons is always spent testing range, knowledge and abilities already known by the student. Then the student weighs in on what kind of music they would like to learn and what they hope to gain from the lessons. Theory and ear training are incorporated into the lessons. We work on breathing, technique and style. Generally we start with English or Italian. We work on vocal performance from a classical standpoint but Jazz and Broadway can also be taught if desired by the student. Scales and exercises are given each week to be worked on until the next lesson. A recording device is encouraged if the student cannot play the piano. Also, a voice note book to take notes during the lesson to be used during practice during the week.

*** Specialties ***
classical voice and jazz voice.

of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, The Voice Workshop, and the Loudoun Fairfax Music Fellowship.

ofessionally now for over twenty years. Some students want to take a few lessons to see if it is something they will enjoy, others have worked with me for over a decade. I have mentored several students who have gone on to professional careers. I have experienced a lot of success teaching young children and those with special needs. I have been blessed with a tremendous amount of patience and truly enjoy teaching anyone who wants to learn.

Whatever your goals or abilities, I look forward to working with you!

*** Lesson Details ***
Experience fun based lessons as my teaching approach is relaxed and inspirational. I enjoy working with all ages, adjusting my teaching methods to accommodate your learning style and abilities. Learn to play the music you love! You learn best when you enjoy what you are playing, I can help you play along with your favorites or even write your own songs. I always ask my students at the beginning of a lesson "What would you like to do today?" Then structure the lesson accordingly into a routine that the student can practice on their own. Generally the time is divided into warm ups, learning new material, then picking a fun song the student choses. Whether your interest is Classical, Jazz, Rock, Pop music, etc... I'm here help you reach your goals so let's make your dreams come true with music together!

*** Travel Equipment ***
Books, Guitar, music stand, metronome, picks, tuner, page clips, capo, media player, laptop, Keyboard (on request), and recording equipment (on request)

*** Specialties ***
With Voice I specialize in helping people prepare for auditions such as American Idol. I have students who simply want to be karaoke stars. I have several professional singers that hire me as a voice coach and producer for recording sessions. I have taught children as young as 2 and those that retired with a lifelong dream to sing. Though my training is classical, I can teach Jazz, Pop, Rock, Rap, R&B, etc...whatever is fun for the student. I highly recommend learning to read music but I do not push it unless parents want their child to.

With Piano I can teach traditionally from Alfred and Bastien Piano Courses depending if they are auditory or visual learners. For Kinesthetic learners I use Hanon scale exercises and Rothman Rhythm Exercises. For those that want to learn notation I introduce classical and Jazz composers unless there is a popular artist/band/movie theme etc...that they would like to learn. However I do not push students to read music unless their parents would prefer it. I tend to keep more students that want to learn to play by ear especially adults by using rhythm training and music theory exercises and then applying them to songs they love. For piano I haven't had much success with children younger than 3. I also have a lot experience working with special needs children.

For Guitar I teach Classical, Acoustic, and Electric all styles and genres. I encourage sight reading but don't mind using tabs. I use more exercises with these students, since the first month students have a hard time making a sound. I try to make the lessons fun by having students strum chords along with songs they chose. I teach lead and rhythm even songwriting and composition. Job satisfaction for me is seeing my students leave a lesson with a smile on their face so I make sure to be a fun based teacher that doesn't give the student a hard time about not practicing.

For Recording and Performance I use the knowledge I gained doing Pro Audio Sales for Guitar Center from 2000-2002 to help clients build their own home studio. I have lots of producers and engineers I work with on a regular basis to produce broadcast quality audio and video recordings and help my students use their lessons and pre-production for those opportunities. I can teach Garage Band or Pro Tools classes on navigating the software and utilizing all the commands. I can also teach room acoustics and using the right microphone and how to position them with the right equipment and the right acoustics to get the best possible tone that they are looking for. I can also teach editing, mixing, looping, sampling, midi, and mastering so that the student can eventually work on their own writing, performing, and recording their music.

allow her students to express themselves in their individually unique ways. Donna looks forward to working with new students from the Winchester area.

Donna G's Education:
DMA Candidate in Voice Performance, Shenandoah Conservatory
MM Voice Performance, Michigan State University
MM Choral Conducting, Michigan State University
BM Music Education and Vocal Performance, Northwestern University

*** Lesson Details ***
The goal of Donna's voice studio is to promote vocal arts and current activities in the various public schools and communities represented in the studio. Donna also enjoys playing piano, vocal coach accompanying, community theatre, working with diverse singing styles from classical to musical theatre and jazz/pop, songwriting, and designing individual curriculum that allow her students to express themselves in their individually unique ways. Best known for preparing singers for music and theatre auditions, Donna also enjoys encouraging singers to find public venues in which to share their talents and accomplishments. Such venues include school, community, recitals, or church worship experiences.

Donna's teaching style and personality can be described as "easily approachable with an emphasis on personal growth". Additionally, she is known for promoting relatively high standards so that her singers feel continuously challenged and inspired to work toward creative and artistic expression and performance goals.

*** Travel Equipment ***
If I must travel to a student's home, I would need him/her to provide a piano or keyboard. I can bring music books/repertoire. If the student wishes to drive to my home studio, I can provide a piano as well as a large vocal and piano music library.

*** Specialties ***
~Certified Lovetri Somatic Voicework (sm) at Shenandoah University Summer Vocal Music Institute
~specializing in opera vocal styles as well as ability to cross-train voice for musical theatre and pop/rock styles
~ability in vocal coach accompanying on piano/keyboard
~lyricist and songwriter for rock bands over the past 20 years
~musical director for musical theatre productions for 15 years

riate to each piece.

Social Goals:
Create a polite & kindly atmosphere.
Dissolve the STRESS, allowing singing to be FUN.
Keep the student motivated.

Accompaniment options:
Melody line only/basic chords (when learning repertoire & vocal techniques.)
Pre-recorded tracks. (CD/Tape for practice & performance.)
Hire an accompanist. (For applicable lessons & performance.)

Practicing Goals: (Monthly Practice Schedule Handout)
Encourage consistency rather than length.

We will study proper breathing, placement, stretching your vocal range, posture, poise, vowels, stage presence, communicating the lyric of a song, connecting with your audience, song selection, voice type, ear training, confidence, mic technique, how to read music, music resources, building your repertoire, pitch, rhythm, how to choose a song, vocal exercises, proper technique, mouth placement, tone, and facial expressions amongst many others! The following is a current biography, but I will provide a teaching and performing resume upon request. I am also happy to provide samples of me singing! I do not have a website at this time, but I am working on having it set up very soon! I look forward to hearing from you!

"Amy most recently performed with Musical Theatre West's productions of the highly acclaimed, Sweeney Todd, directed by Calvin Remsburg, and Annie with Tony Award winner Andrea McArdle. She came straight from starring in a beautiful production of Godspell at the Candlelight Pavilion, and as Mabel in Performance Riverside's production of Pirates of Penzance. She had the pleasure of playing Josie Cohan in the world premiere of Academy Award winner Richard Sherman's new musical, Pazzazz! at the El Capitan theatre in Hollywood. She'™s traveled around the world performing with Norwegian Cruise Lines and Vox Lumiere, and locally with Orange County Opera and Enrichment Works Productions. Regional theatre: Mary in the Glory of Christmas (Crystal Cathedral), Johanna in Sweeney Todd(Starlight Bowl), Jenny in Company(Performance Riverside), Cinderella in Into the Woods(Candlelight Pavilion), Rosina in Barber of Seville (Orange County Opera), Belle in Beauty and the Beast (ITL Award), Sarah in Guys and Dolls (Candlelight Pavilion)."

e Virginia area I find myself teaching and singing A LOT of musical theater.

Along with my love of teaching, I also enjoy performing immensely. I've been in some community theater productions in the area, and I have also music directed one as well! I enjoy working with students on audition techniques and picking great songs that will get them cast as well.

I teach my lessons with a beautiful baby grand in the cozy basement of my home in Sterling.

The styles of voice I specialize in teaching are: classical, pop, and musical theater.

Please shoot me a message if it seems like we'd be a great fit for each other! I look forward to meeting you.

ve expertise in acting and a background in dance to help my students to better their expression onstage.

or a purpose. That purpose was serving Him, and only Him; being a willing vessel in His hands. Nita released a CD “New Songs to Sing” in 2009. The Lord did not only inspire and call her to lift her voice and sing unto Him, but to also teach others to explore and grow their gifts for His glory. Nita has been teaching piano, voice and drama extensively over the past 17 years.

Perform with Purpose:

Mission Statement: Embracing Worship as a lifestyle.
Providing a Christian environment where students get to explore, learn and grow their musical, speech and presentation abilities for the Lord.