Seattle, WA Classical Voice Lessons

onderfully packed with performance for Seattle Opera. I just closed out a 78 performance run of CINDERELLA IN SPAIN where I sang the role of CINDERELLA and was even on the poster! I also performed the roles for the Seattle Opera preview performances of GRETEL in HANSEL UND GRETEL, VIOLETTA in LA TRAVIATA, KATYA in KATYA KABANOVA, and QUEEN OF THE NIGHT in MAGIC FLUTE. I made my Seattle Opera debut singing ALITSA and RACCOON in their touring production of "OUR EARTH", as well as performing on the mainstage in many productions. My upcoming performances include singing in the Seattle Opera kick off to the season SUMMERFEST in July; and OLYMPIA in LES CONTES D'HOFFMANN with Pacific Northwest Opera. My other roles include ALKANDRE in PENELOPE with Vespertine Opera in Seattle, WA; FRASQUITA in CARMEN with OperaBend in Bend, Oregon and Pacific Northwest Opera; and SUSANNA in LE NOZZE DI FIGARO with the Seattle Opera Guild. I also made my international debut in December 2014 singing GRETEL in HANSEL UND GRETEL with Opera Mariposa in Vancouver, BC. I have also been the featured soloist as "Christine" in Ten Grand's Phantom of the Opera at Benaroya Hall in Seattle, WA, and many lead roles in both opera and musical theatre: such as Semele (Semele), Marie (La Fille du Regiment), Gretel (Hansel und Gretel), Countess Ceprano and Gilda (Rigoletto), Blondchen (Die Entfuehrung aus dem Serail), Maria (West Side Story), La Fee (Cendrillon), Sarah Brown (Guys and Dolls), Cathy (The Last 5 Years), Rosina (Barber of Seville), and more! I have also been part of jazz ensembles, and won the Battle of the Bands at Indiana University with a rock group! I am proud to have won the Seattle Opera Guild/Opera Plus Young Artist Scholarship Award for the 2015/2016 season, the Encouragement Award in the Metropolitan Opera National Council District Auditions, First Place in the National Classical Singers Competition, the C.M. Gerber Scholarship, Music Dean's Scholarship, Music Faculty Award, First Place at Washington State Solo and Ensemble Competitions, First Place in the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) National Competitions, and many more!

Teaching brings me such joy! To share the love of music and to educate the musicians of tomorrow is both gratifying and inspiring. I have been teaching since 2005 and provide a fun and focused learning experience where there are no "wrong" questions, and everybody's unique voice is celebrated! Many of my students have gone on to study music in college, and have landed lead roles in musical theatre, choir solos, All State and All Northwest choirs, and won awards in Classical competitions.

In my spare time, I like to hike, eat good food, and spend time with family and friends!

*** Lesson Details ***
My studio provides musical knowledge through private lessons including healthy vocal technique, basic understanding of music theory, and basic piano skills. I encourage a fun and focused environment. Come ready to learn, and let's make music!

A typical lesson will include vocalises that detail proper technique, some ear training work, some music theory training, and will be followed by repertoire. During this time, students will learn how to produce clear and authentic diction (English and other languages), breath management, phrase shaping, smooth transitions between higher and lower pitches, stylistic ornamentation, as well as dramatic involvement of the piece.

Students will learn the importance of the foundations of breath support, and how to create a healthy sound for any genre while keeping the unique qualities of their own voice-- no cookie-cutter singers here! Students will also learn how to read music, practice effectively, perform authentically, and take care of their delicate instrument for a lifetime of singing!

While Skype is a marvelous tool that has revolutionized the world of teaching, nothing can replicate natural acoustics. In-studio lessons are suggested for a clearer and more personable lesson.
**Skype lessons are reserved for long distance students only**

STUDIO ABSENCE and CANCELLATION POLICIES:
Regularly scheduled and attended lessons are the best way to see positive changes in your voice! The smooth running of the Studio Schedule helps make that happen. Therefore, missing lessons is discouraged and make up lessons/cancellations are not given in the Studio unless:
- I have had a performance or rehearsal that conflicts with our lesson time and cannot have the lesson as scheduled. If this occurs, I will inform you of the event as soon as possible and give you the option of a make up lesson or cancelling the lesson.
- Notices of foreseen cancellations (family vacations, religious holidays, school functions, special occasions etc.) are eligible for rescheduling or cancellation if given before the first lesson of the month.
- Of course, life can throw us for a loop! Illness, emergencies, and unforeseen events may possibly be given make ups or cancellations and will be determined at the Studio's discretion. (In the matter of illness: standard procedure is that if the student can attend work/school, they should come to their lesson. A cold can easily be worked around. If the voice is affected (for singing students), Studio time can still be used to work on ear training, music theory, music history, etc.)

All other absences will result in the lesson being marked as "missed". A hard copy of the Studio Policies and further details will be given to the student at the first lesson. Please feel free to ask any questions or clarifications.

*** Studio Equipment ***
The studio lessons take place in a designated area of my home. The room includes seating for parents to observe lessons as well as a weighted keyboard (88 keys), music stand, desk, and materials. No pets. Lots of street parking is available. Shopping and coffee/food located within walking distance.

*** Specialties ***
Specialties: Classical/Opera
Other styles and genres: Musical Theatre, Jazz, Pop, and Rock.

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My unique studio uses the basics of Bel Canto technique to teach all styles of music to all ages. Parents often comment on how much fun their students have in lessons, while getting feedback from outside professionals (adjudicators, directors, etc) on how much their technique has improved. Adult students are commonly shocked by how easy singing can feel as they meet their career goals.

Current students can be seen performing with:
America's Got Talent!
Hardrock Cafe LAS VEGAS!
Broadway Bound
Bellevue Opera
Puget Sound Concert Opera
Seattle Gilbert and Sullivan
5th Avenue Theater
Theater Schmeater
13 Coins
Hwy 99 Blues Club
The Showbox
Chop Suey
Dicken's Carolers
And MORE!

I realize that voice lessons can be REALLY scary and I totally understand why, especially for kids and beginners! I do my best to use modern psycology and technology to help my beginning students feel confortable in what can be a frightening new endeavor.

Personal Performance Experience: Extensive lead and supporting opera performing experience with Bellevue Opera, Puget Sound Concert Opera, Skagit Opera, Tacoma Opera, Portland Opera,Seattle Gilbert and Sullivan, Seattle Opera and Seattle Youth Symphony. Prior to that spent 7 years performing Jazz and Gospel and 10 years in musical theater.

Personal Education: BA in Music from Seattle Pacific University 2002, MM in Opera Performance (Unfinished due to 1 year of German) at University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.

Teaching Experience: 8 years as a private voice teacher in my own studio, 3.5 years teaching opera workshops throughout the USA, 2 years working in studio with local bands as a 'fixer.'

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Have you tried lessons before and felt unsuccessful?

Not all students learn the same way and for years voice teachers have been treating every student as an aural learner. What I have found is that students with a history of struggling with matching pitch simply need to be taught in a different manner. That is why I now ask students to take a voluntary learning style inventory prior to their first lesson.

Visual Learner? Not a problem when "Adam" started with me he could only match pitch 30% of the time. But after finding that he needed to see concepts in order to learn them I have now made all of his lesson visually based and he is now averaging 90% pitch accuracy 3 months later.

Kinisthetic Learner? I had the hardest time helping "Clark" learn new music until we realized that by taking the time to have him play his parts himself on the piano he could learn them in minutes. He just is a person that learns by doing and now that we know that, music has become so much less frustrating for him.

Physical Learner? With "Steve" the traditional 'visualization' style of teaching that most voice teachers start with just wasn't helping him improve his sound and reach the high notes we both knew he had. After we figured out that he needed large muscle movements to understand concepts I added the use of a resistance band to his lessons. He has had so much success with this technique that he 'stole' my resistance band so he could use it in recording sessions and before he got on stage.

The stories just go on and on.

CURRENT AND FORMER STUDENT REFERENCES AVAILABLE!

*** Lesson Details ***
Students help structure their lessons by providing a general overview of their goals during their first lesson. Just as not everyone's voice sounds the same, neither does everyone's lesson!

A typical lesson begins with vocal warm-ups specifically targeted to strengthen the students technique and help them learn more about their voices capabilities. Next students work on songs of their choosing, that help them develop the freedom of voice, control, stamina and overall vocal health that they will need to be confident in their performing.

Additional opportunities for performance are provided for students as desired. These may include Karaoke Nights (for adult beginners), no-stress recitals, studio sing-a-longs, community choirs and small roles in local productions.

NEW STUDIO FEATURE!

*** Studio ***
piano and guitar

*** Specialties ***
Voice, Music Theory, Music Performance, Acting, Speech, Theatrical Broadway Singing, Opera Voice
Singing for Musical Theater, Classical Voice, Jazz Voice, Improvisation, Rock and Metal Vocals, Healthy Metal Growling, Beginning-Advanced Intermediate Voice, Composition, Music History, Music Appreciation

Specializing in helping young singers find their voices and learn healthy technique so as to not damage their instrument, while having a lot of fun! I also teach Spanish, Latin and Italian Diction for Singers.

I have worked with many local guitar/singer/songwriters and rock band frontmen, helping them gain the stamina and power they need while maintaining their instrument for the future.

Also, I have had extensive experience and success working with students who consider themselves 'tone challenged'

training and basic theory. Resume available upon request

r even if you're ready to just start for the first time I got you. You're capable of so much more than you think.

r in Music in Voice Performance from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University. There, I was awarded the Rosa Ponselle Scholarship in voice and was a student of internationally renowned mezzo-soprano, Denyce Graves, and highly sought after voice technician, Peggy Baroody. I will be pursuing a Masters of Music in the fall at Bard College Conservatory.

As a Seattle native, I was a member of Jubilate! Young Women’s Ensemble at St. James Cathedral, as well as a student at Seattle Conservatory of Music.

t worked amazingly well! For instance, I taught a number of scientists/engineers from CERN, in Geneva Switzerland, using physics and engineering principles. When I returned to the U.S., I took on a student who was a auto mechanic, and used the idea of the combustable engine to help him understand how the voice works. I put in considerable effort to understand the best way a student learns, so I can teach him in such a way that I know he will understand the concepts and be able to replicate the sounds needed to sing.

From beginners to accomplished musicians, I've helped committed students realize their Inner Diva. Confidence issues, tonal issues, or just plain issues? I am the teacher who can bring your talent to full fruition. I've worked with professionals and novices from Poland to Oklahoma, France to Italy, UK to New York City to Switzerland and back to Oklahoma. I am permanently settled in the Greater Seattle area now! You pick the music, and I'll pick your brain, and together we can find the path to fulfill your dreams. Step beyond the fear to be the best artist you can be! Life's way too short to have regrets ... Sing Already!