Learn Singing your way with a TakeLessons expert

By Elaina R. - Ann Arbor Singing Teacher

Ann Arbor buzzes with musical activity. Between special events like the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, popular venues such as Hill Auditorium, and the musical smorgasbord that is the University of Michigan, this is one heck of a place to learn to sing. I moved here when I was six, so I can give you a serious insider scoop into the vocal scene here in Ann Arbor.

1) University of Michigan Events The University of Michigan is one of the best music schools for voice in the United States. Famous grads abound, including Madonna (her daughter Lourdes is in the Class of 2018), Iggy Pop, and opera singer Jessie Norman.

You don’t have to be a student at the University of Michigan to benefit from the university’s presence. The school stages operas, musicals, and concerts throughout the year at venues all over town. While ticket prices for the operas and musicals start at $10, free concerts are available too, including choir performances and faculty and student recitals. There are usually at least a handful of performances each week; students taking singing lessons in Ann Arbor can easily attend some to learn about new genres and observe expert vocal technique. Check out the calendar of events here: http://www.music.umich.edu/performances_events/event_display.php

2) Ann Arbor Venues For a town of just 117,000, Ann Arbor attracts an impressive array of world-class singers across all genres. Some popular venues include:

• Hill Auditorium (classical and jazz) http://www.music.umich.edu/about/facilities/central_campus/hill/
• The Power Center (all genres) http://www.music.umich.edu/about/facilities/central_campus/power/
• Live (contemporary) http://www.livea2.com/
• The Blind Pig (rock, alternative, and heavy metal) http://www.blindpigmusic.com/

3) University of Michigan Master Classes In addition to performances, the University of Michigan puts on master classes where expert singers coach voice students in front of an audience. Master classes are free and open to the public, and you can learn a lot about singing just from attending. They are listed on the same schedule as other university performances.

4) Ann Arbor Summer Festival The Ann Arbor Summer Festival attracts musicians and vendors alike for a month every summer. Formerly known as Top of the Park due to its prior location on top of a parking structure, the Ann Arbor Summer Festival offers two stages: a free outdoor one and a mainstage concert series at the Power Center. Since its inception in 1983, the Summer Festival has hosted famous singers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Johnny Cash, Bernadette Peters, Ray Charles, and Aretha Franklin. I saw Andrew Bird in one of the mainstage performances one year (it was pretty great). See this year’s lineup and order tickets here: http://a2sf.org/desktop/

5) University Musical Society and Choral Union The University Musical Society works in conjunction with the University of Michigan to provide all kinds of performances and events, including the Met’s Live in HD series. But it does more than that; it also offers pre- and post-show information and Q&A sessions with famous singers. If you're looking for some experience after signing up for singing lessons in Ann Arbor, you’re in luck. The UMS Choral Union, led by Grammy Award-winning conductor Jerry Blackstone, is a community volunteer choir that regularly performs with internationally renowned performers at Hill Auditorium. The annual performance of Handel’s Messiah, with top-notch soloists, is a big draw.

6) Local Churches Don’t forget that churches are great resources for singers! Several area churches (including St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, where I am a regular soloist), put on large works by master composers several times throughout the year. These events are always free and open to anyone who cares to watch. You can also join one of the many volunteer choirs at area churches.

7) Community Theaters Do you want more singing experience but balk at the idea of joining a choir? No problem! We have several community theaters here that welcome volunteer singers. You can even audition for a lead role if you would like more of a challenge.

• Ann Arbor Civic Theater (musical community theater)
• Comic Opera Guild (operetta community theater)
• Arbor Opera Theater (opera–paid lead roles, volunteer chorus)

With special events, master classes, and performance opportunities galore, Ann Arbor has all the resources you need to learn to sing. If you find a good voice teacher for singing lessons in Ann Arbor, practice regularly, and take advantage of our city's bountiful resources, you’ll learn to sing before you know it.