Learn Singing your way with a TakeLessons expert

By Julia V. - Portland Singing Teacher

Portland is a unique city with its own distinctive character. The city is full of people who love the performing arts, and there is something for everyone to enjoy! If you’re considering taking singing lessons in Portland, you’re in luck! We can offer opportunities in every genre from new age to rock, and a whole song-loving community to support it all!

Students taking singing lessons in Portland are hoping to support their chosen activities whether in church choir, high school groups and musicals, or auditioning for the yearly PATA auditions. PATA stands for Portland Area Theatre Alliance which holds yearly auditions where area performers can be seen by up to 60 area companies. Performers have a choice of doing 2 songs, 2 monologues or 1 of each. Students and teachers can join PATA and it is a great resource for auditions and offering workshops. http://www.portlandtheatre.com/general-auditions.html

My students will often ask me which local choirs they should sing in. Your teacher can help to steer you in the right direction, but I always say it depends on each student’s sight reading and vocal skills. The PDX choral calendar lists 22 auditioned choirs as well as many more non-auditioned youth and professional choirs. https://sites.google.com/site/pdxchoralcalendar/list-of-choirs

Students may want to take singing lessons in Portland to gain entry to a local community college or University music program. PSU has a high-quality music program and are frequently putting on opera productions and providing many performance outlets. Check out their online calendar and student recital schedule. http://music.pdx.edu/calendar/

Mt. Hood Community College and others smaller campuses also have good programs for inspiring students to get out into the world of music and begin performing or teaching.

You know you have a good vocal technique if you can perform in several different styles. The important thing is to find a teacher or group where you feel comfortable and joyful! Joy is an underrated aspect of singing technique that makes everything easier.

While you’re taking singing lessons in Portland, you can enjoy lots of live music in every genre! Kells Irish Pub features traditional Irish music - Every Sunday at 7PM. Everyone is welcome! http://www.kellsportland.com/music/

The many different jazz groups can be found at the Jazz Society of Oregon. http://www.jsojazzscene.org/monthlyclubinfo.htm. To hear some of great jazz music live, check out Tony Starlight! There’s always a fun show and beautiful singers with live music. http://www.tonystarlight.com/events/upcoming-shows/

Finally, give Portland Opera a try. Every year they have young artists trying out for new roles. Portland Opera productions take place at Keller Auditorium and the Newmark Theatre with beautiful sets and costumes. Opera scenes are even performed outside during the summer in downtown Portland. http://www.portlandopera.org/

When you’re out around town and find a style or song you enjoy, jot down the title or keep the performance’s program. Portland Music Company is a local, independent music store where you can pick up the sheet music for some of your favorite pieces. http://www.portlandmusiccompany.com/

Bring your newly acquired music to your voice teacher and say “I’d like to be able to sing this!” You and your teacher will enjoy having a goal and building the skills to get you there.