Our Mission

We are dedicated to encouraging the highest standards of singing in all musical styles. Through our workshops, student competitions, and continuing education programs, we create opportunities for teachers and students to collaboratively engage in excellent teaching and singing. We believe a cooperative exchange of knowledge and skill enhances our understanding of the art and craft of singing.

Our History

The National Association of Teachers of Singing was founded in 1944 through the association of several east coast organizations.

There were a few Bay Area teachers who belonged to the national organization, but there were no local meetings or activities. In the late 70’s a San Francisco singer who was eager to get more knowledge about vocal pedagogy and more exchange with other voice teachers, happened to see a flyer on the bulletin board at the Conservatory about a national voice teachers convention. She went, knowing nobody, and having no idea what to expect. Within hours of arriving, she met several singers she had known on the East Coast, all of them very active in their local NATS chapters. She returned to San Francisco with a wealth of knowledge, contacts, and resources in vocal pedagogy and invited about 15 friends who were singers / voice teachers to her house. They were all enthusiastic about the idea of local cooperation and of connection to national and international resources. That afternoon over tea and cookies, the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing was formed. Two years later it was one of the largest and most active chapters in the United States.

***

SFBAC NATS By-Laws

Download PDF here.

***

Dorothy Barnhouse

(September 19, 1932 - June 23, 2019)

Our Board

President, Dr. Phillip Harris

Co-Vice Presidents of Programs, Dr. Robin Fisher & Dr. Karine St.Pierre

Vice President of Recitals, Gayatri Venkatesan

Co-Vice Presidents of Student Auditions Dr. Erin McOmber & Benjamin Liupaogo

Membership Director, Jonathan Smucker

Communications Coordinator, Mary Evelyn Hangley

Recording Secretary, Angelique Zuluaga

Treasurer, Jacque Wilson Scharlach

Newsletter Editor, Alina Ilchuk

Webmaster, Solmaaz Adeli

MEMBERSHIP ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR

Dr. Emily Sinclair

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

A committee of three board-appointed SFBAC NATS Members

Wendy Hillhouse - Kathleen Ludowise - Dr. Juanita Ulloa

Dr. Phillip Harris
President

Phillip Harris has a diverse background in vocal music as a performer and teacher in classical, musical theater, gospel, and rhythm & blues.

He has performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and with the San Francisco Symphony, Reno Chamber Orchestra, Aspen Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Pocket Opera, Mountain Play, Island City Opera,Opera Las Vegas, and the San Francisco Opera (Chorus). Recordings include Phillip Harris in Recital with Damien Sneed featuring art songs, arias, spirituals, gospel, and musical theater repertoire in addition to an EP of original music, In My Philz.

Dr. Harris has present or former teaching affiliations with Convent & Stuart Hall, San Francisco Conservatory of Music Pre-College, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, San Francisco Girls Chorus, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, West Valley College, Head-Royce School, Menlo School, YMTC, MoonSchool at 42nd Street Moon.

An avid researcher and performer on the classical songs of black composers, he has given lectures on the topic at Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, Westminster Choir College, University of California, Santa Cruz, Alabama State University, and San Francisco City College. His students have graduated from Boston Conservatory at Berklee and placed in national, regional, and local competitions with NATS. Other students have placed in Elite International Music Competition, American Protégé International Vocal Competition, and the Junior Bach Festival. Other students attend Oberlin Conservatory, Interlochen, Boston University Tanglewood Institute, MPulse at University of Michigan, Stagedoor Manor, and UCLA Summer Musical Theater Program, and Vocal Academy at San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

Phillip earned voice degrees from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (Doctor of Musical Arts), the University of Michigan (Master of Music), and the University of California, Irvine (Bachelor of Music). He previously served as Co-VP of Student Auditions for SFBAC-NATS.

More information at www.philliplnharris.com

Dr. Robin Fisher
co-Vice President of Programs

Soprano Robin Fisher has performed to critical acclaim in Paris, Vienna, Prague, Hamburg, Chicago and Dallas. …“amazingly precise coloratura, melting diminuendi, splendid high notes and delightful musicality” (Opernwelt) and her “mature timbre and total self-assurance.... an extremely exciting singer-actress” (Westdeutsche Zeitung).

A native of California, Dr. Fisher began her vocal studies at San José State University and went on to graduate from Smith College cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. She won both the prestigious Fulbright-Hayes Scholarship and a Rotary Foundation Award to pursue studies in Europe and received the coveted Artist's Diploma cum laude from the University of Vienna. She holds a D.M.A. degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

Dr. Fisher joined the Sac State School of Music faculty in 2003 and holds the highest rank of Full Professor.

Sac State voice students have been winners in major regional competitions and received scholarships to attend such prestigious post-baccalaureate programs as the San Francisco Conservatory, Cincinnati College Conservatory, New England Conservatory, Bard College, UCLA and the Manhattan School of Music as well as programs including Merola program, Music Academy of the West, Seattle Opera Studio, and the Ryan Opera Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago.

As an educator, Dr. Fisher has taught courses at both the graduate and undergraduate levels including Applied Voice, Diction (Italian, German, French), Vocal Pedagogy, Song Literature, Career Planning for Singers, and a weekly studio class for performance practice.

She founded and led “Empowering Singers” in Sacramento as an intensive workshop to join voice study with the Alexander Technique. In 2013, Dr. Fisher founded Lingua e Canto, a summer intensive for young singers to study the Italian language, opera performance and vocal technique.

dr. karine st. pierre

co-vice president of programs

Montreal-born soprano Karine St-Pierre completed a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Voice Performance and Vocal Pedagogy at the University of Toronto. She holds a Master of Music degree in Voice Performance and Vocal Pedagogy from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Music degree from the Université de Montréal.

Ms. St-Pierre has performed opera and operetta roles, including the roles of Ilia (Idomeneo, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart), Annina (La Traviata, Giuseppe Verdi), Bella (Paganini, Franz Lehar), Stella (La fille du tambour major, Jacques Offenbach), Gabrielle (La Vie Parisienne, Jacques Offenbach), Fleurette/Hermia (Barbe-Bleue, Jacques Offenbach), Princess Stasi (Princesse Czardas, Emmerich Kálmán), Huguette (Pas sur la bouche…, Maurice Yvain), and Délicia (Madame, Henri Christiné). She has sung recitals in Canada, the United States, and France. In 2019, she performed a recital of French mélodie and French Canadian repertoire with pianist Daniel Lockert as part of the Sausalito Song Society Concerts in California. Ms. St-Pierre has premiered the cycle “Quatre mélodies québécoises” by Matthew De Lacey Davidson in Toronto.

Ms. St-Pierre has adjudicated several music festivals and voice competitions, she has presided over the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, and she has developed a guide to the interpretation of nineteenth-century French Canadian songs for voice and piano.

gayatri venkatesan

vice president of recitals

Native of San José, California, Gayatri Venkatesan's interest in music began at a very young age. Starting with piano lessons at age five, her love and studies in music only continued to grow as she got older. She began her study of voice in Indian Classical music at the age of eight under Smt. Jayashree Varadarajan, and later at the age of 15, took her first voice lesson with renowned coloratura soprano, Patrycja Poluchowicz. Since then, she has studied and coached under Ron Valentino, Dr. Erin McComber, Susan Gundunas, and Dr. Julia Nielsen.

Her students have enjoyed lead roles in several community theater productions, and in addition, have received gold medals at the state and national level in the Royal Conservatory of Music annual examinations. Ms. Venkatesan is also active in the Royal Conservatory of Music and NATS communities.

Arya Music Studio was founded by Gayatri Venkatesan in 2015 with an aim to provide western classical voice lessons to students of all ages. Since its founding, Arya Music Studio has trained several students using the Royal Conservatory of Music voice curriculum, and a number of students have gone on to receive National Gold Medals for their participation in the RCM exams. Students of Arya Music Studio have also enjoyed leading roles in various community theater productions.

Benjamin liupaogo

co-vice president of Student Auditions

Benjamin Liupaogo is a distinguished Lecturer in Vocal Studies at the Stanford University Department of Music. He is a Pacific Islander Samoan tenor and collaborative pianist who has performed extensively across Europe and the United States. Benjamin holds several notable positions, including serving as a tenor with the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) San Francisco Symphony Chorus, which recently won a Grammy for Best Opera Recording for Kaija Saariaho’s *Adriana Mater*. He is an Extra Chorus AGMA tenor with the San Francisco Opera Chorus and also an AGMA tenor with the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and Chorale. Additionally, he sings with the Grace Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys, and occasionally, he performs with the American Bach Soloists and Volti.

From 2017 to 2019, Benjamin was a young artist tenor with Madison Opera, where he performed and covered various operatic roles. He also served as an assistant director and vocal coach at the Música nelle Marche summer program in Urbino, Italy, from 2017 to 2022, performing in numerous cities across Italy.

As a versatile classical musician, Benjamin has extensive experience in opera, musical theater, concerts, recitals, chamber ensembles, and choral groups. He is highly skilled singer, collaborative pianist, voice teacher, repetiteur, vocal coach,church musician, and music director/conductor for musical theater, opera, and choral performances.

His roles have included serving as music director, vocal coach, repetiteur, and pianist for various institutions, such as the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, Boston University Tanglewood Institute, San Francisco State University, University of San Francisco, Roosevelt University: Chicago College of Performing Arts, DePaul University, North Park University, University of Notre

Dame, University of Wisconsin-Madison, The Floating Opera Company, Volti, Madison Opera, Pacific Boy Choir Academy, Golden Gate Boys Choir and Men, San Francisco Boys Chorus, Sacred Heart Atherton, and The Hamlin School.

Benjamin Liupaogo serves as a board member of the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. He holds the position of Co-Vice President for Student Auditions with SFBAC-NATS and also works as a collaborative pianist for The San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing.

In addition to his musical endeavors, Benjamin is also a board member of the Samoan Community Development Center (SCDC). He contributes to initiatives aimed at creating an inclusive environment in the San Francisco Bay Area, ensuring that Samoan and Pacific Islander voices are heard and that the community thrives.

Benjamin earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from San Francisco State University, a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Roosevelt University, and a Master of Sacred Music degree from the University of Notre Dame. He also holds a Graduate Performance Certificate from DePaul

University. Currently, Benjamin is completing his dissertation for a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Voice Performance, with a minor in Collaborative Piano from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Benjamin Liupaogo is a passionate and dedicated musician and educator in the field of vocal music. With impressive credentials and extensive experience, he is an invaluable asset to any institution fortunate enough to collaborate with him. His commitment to the art form and those around him truly sets him apart.

Go Back

dr. erin mcomber

co-vice president of auditions

Dr. Erin McOmber earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in voice perfromance from the University of Utah, a Master of Music degree in voice performance and pedagogy from Brigham Young University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree, also in voice performance, from UC San Diego. She has maintained a private voice studio for over twenty years and has been an active member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing since 2001. As a singer, Erin has performed numerous operatic roles such as Mimì (La bohème), Fiordiligi (Così fan tutte), and Blanche de la Force (Dialogues des Carmélites), and has been the soprano soloist for Mendelssohn's Elijah, Mozart's Requiem, Handel's Messiah, Mahler's Symphony No. 4, and more. She spent three years as a member of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square (formerly the Mormon Tabernacle Choir) and is a founding member and conductor of Mayfield Singers, a small mixed chamber choir based in Palo Alto.

JONATHAN SMUCKER

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR

Ohio-born tenor Jonathan Smucker maintains a diverse career as a singer and teacher. He has sung more than fifty roles in opera, oratorio, operetta and musical theater, including solo appearances with Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, American Bach Soloists, Fresno Symphony, Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera, Opera Parallèle, West Edge Opera, Ars Minerva, Pasadena Opera and Left Coast Chamber Ensemble. Notable roles include Ferrando in Così fan tutte, Miles in Missy Mazzoli’s Proving Up, The Witch of Endor in Handel’s Saul, and the title role in Candide. He is a regular member of the Philharmonia Baroque Chorale, and sings frequently with American Bach Choir and San Francisco Opera Chorus.
Jonathan serves on the voice faculty at San José State University, as Membership Secretary of San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of NATS, and is the voice department chair at San Francisco Community Music Center, where he recently co-conceived and coordinated Trans and Singing: A Symposium for Voice Teachers and Singers of All Genders. His students have earned scholarships at Oberlin Conservatory, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Lawrence University, University of Puget Sound, and the Peabody Institute, and have taken top prizes at the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter NATS Student Auditions.

Mary Evelyn hangley

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

A first year Adler Fellow with San Francisco Opera, Mary Evelyn Hangley was praised for her “stunning dynamic range and control”. Soprano Hangley has been featured on the stages of The Glimmerglass Festival, Minnesota Opera, and the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco. Most recently, she performed the role of Anna Sørensen in Kevin Put’s Silent Night at The Glimmerglass Festival. During her two years as a Resident Artist with Minnesota Opera, Hangley sang leading roles for the company, including Musetta in La bohème, Woglinde in Das Rheingold, and Contessa Almaviva in Le nozze di Figaro. In addition to numerous comprimario roles, Hanley covered Freia in Das Rheingold, Millicent Jordan in the world premiere of Bolcolm’s Dinner at Eight and the title role in Massenet’s Thaïs. She has participated in many of the country’s leading young artist programs, including Minnesota Opera, The Glimmerglass Festival and The Merola Opera Program. While at the Merola Opera Program, Hangley was praised by Opera News for singing “…with considerable allure” when taking over for an ill colleague mid performance of Conrad Susa’s Transformations. In concert, Hanley has sung Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Mozart’s Mass in C minor, Saint-Saëns’ Christmas Oratorio, Schubert’s Mass in C major and will be the soprano soloist in the Verdi Requiem at SUNY Fredonia in Spring 2019.

Go back

angelique zuluaga

recording secretary

Soprano Angelique Zuluaga has performed opera, oratorio, and chamber music throughout the U.S. and South America and can be found frequently collaborating with composers in new works. Her voice has been described as “free-floating and unfettered” (Bloomington Herald Times), “dark and delicate” (Indy Star), and “exquisite and expressive voice, capable of a wide dynamic range from the most delicate sotto voce pianissimos to full-voiced fortissimo coloratura passages” (Monterey Herald Times). In 2012 she was hailed by Fanfare magazine as a performer of “gusto and finesse”.

Winner of Indiana University's 2006 Latin American Fellowship, she also holds awards, grants and scholarships for her performance, research and concert programming from the Early Music Institute of Indiana University, The Latin American Music Center of Indiana University, Metropolitan Opera Council, Universidad Del Valle National Art Prizes, and the Embassy of Spain.

Ms. Zuluaga began her singing career in Cali, Colombia, South America where she received her Licenciatura en Músicawith Emperatriz Figueroa as her major professor in voice at the Universidad del Valle . Further studies in music led her to the Jacobs School of Music and Early Music Institute at Indiana University where she completed two master degrees in voice performance and early music.

Jacque Wilson Scharlach

treasurer

Jacque Wilson Scharlach is hailed as a "passionate singer with beautiful warm tones." She has more than fifteen years of teaching experience including three years spent as a musical theater voice faculty at the University of Southern Maine. She is currently on the voice faculty of San José State University and also maintains an active private vocal studio.

Jacque holds a Master's degree in opera performance from The Boston Conservatory and a Bachelor's degree from California State University, Northridge. She has appeared with numerous orchestras and choruses across the country including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco Opera and Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra. She has performed to great renowned on both coasts in opera and musical theatre. Some of her favorite roles include: Meg Page (Falstaff), Meg (Little Women), Cherubino (Le Nozze di Figaro), Prince Orlofsky (Die Fledermaus), Julie Jordan (Carousel), Sarah Brown (Guys and Dolls), and Pitti Sing (The Mikado). She is currently a full time chorister with San Francisco Opera. She believes in teaching a bel canto technique to all her students whether they are singing classical, musical theatre or jazz.

alina ilchuk

newsletter editor

Alina Ilchuk is a Ukrainian-American singer, vocal teacher, and volunteer. She has performed throughout Europe, the United States, and Canada. She has been teaching voice both privately and at the collegiate level since 1995 and is an avid supporter of the development of art education in the world. In the early 2000s, she was one of the initiators and instructors for the Sacramento-based Slavic educational branch of Patten University, which helped immigrants from post-Soviet republics obtain higher education in the USA. She is the founder of the Sacramento Academy of Musical Arts, an award-winning school in the region. Many of her students have become professional musicians and graduates of some of the most reputable universities, conservatories, and music programs; numerous students have become winners of respected voice competitions. Alina Ilchuk serves as a jury member for the innovative art platform "Music" in Kyiv, Ukraine, enjoys academic research, and is a regular presenter at scientific conferences and artistic forums. She volunteers for Ukrainian war-orphan children throughout the San Francisco Charity Foundation “Anhelyk" and advocates for the American-Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation and the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv, Ukraine.

Since 2020, she has been a board member of the SFBAC NATS. Alina Ilchuk received her higher education at the Mykola Lysenko National Academy of Music in Lviv, Ukraine, and the California State University, Sacramento, USA.

SOLMAAZ ADELI

WEBMASTER

webmaster@sfbacnats.com

Mezzo-soprano Solmaaz Adeli gave her debut at the Vienna Chamber Opera in Albinoni’s baroque opera Il Nascimento dell’Aurora and performs baroque to contemporary opera, concert, and chamber music.

Ms. Adeli received a scholarship to attend the Opera School at the University of Music and Dramatic Arts in Graz, Austria, and studied privately in Vienna and as an apprentice under Italy’s esteemed director Davide Livermore in Turin.

Voice Academy SOL, founded by Solmaaz Adeli hosts a musical and cultural program Vienna Intensive, voice lessons/masterclasses Sing with SOL, and concerts featuring collaborative performers and the music of living composers Solmaaz Adeli & Friends.

www.solmaazadeli.com

Go back

Carlos Eckart

In sit amet felis malesuada, feugiat purus eget, varius mi. Nulla lectus ante, consequat et ex eget, feugiat tincidunt metus. Vivamus sit amet semper lacus, in mollis libero.

Todd Brown

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aenean eu justo sed elit dignissim aliquam. Integer tempus, elit in laoreet posuere, lectus neque blandit dui, et placerat urna diam mattis orci.

Linda Takahashi

Aenean eu justo sed elit dignissim aliquam. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae. Vivamus sit amet semper lacus, in mollis libero.

Voice Teacher Directory

Click to be added to the SFBAC NATS Directory

ADELI, SOLMAAZ - Santa Cruz / Los Gatos | Online
Mezzo-soprano & Founder of Voice Academy SOL which hosts Sing with SOL / Vienna Intensive / Solmaaz Adeli & Friends - emphasis on performance opportunities for students in the greater Bay Area and in Austria.
voiceacademysol@gmail.com
www.solmaazadeli.com

ALTMAN, CAROLINE - PIEDMONT

With over 25 years of teaching experience, I work with singers and actors in opera, musical theater, jazz, theory, and composition. Focusing on technique, expressing the natural voice, and character interpretation for performance and audition prep, I welcome students at all levels, age 5 through adult to my Piedmont studio. I also coach in acting and monologue prep.

www.carolinealtman.com

ANDERSON, KAREN
Please refer to my website.

www.karenandersonlive.com

ASKOFF, GEORGIANNA - PLEASANTON & LIVERMORE

Radayeva Music Studios.
Mezzo-Soprano, Pianist, Organist, Choir Conductor available for Traditional, Classical and Liturgical voice lessons/coaching. 45 years singing in churches. Gregorian chant reading and singing, 6 years.

jyorjyanna@gmail.com

831-854-8287

ATHA, MARISA - SACRAMENTO
Private instruction in Classical, Musical Theatre, Jazz, CCM (pop/rock), piano, guitar, ukulele.

marisaatha@outlook.com

www.threesparrowsstudio.com

BAILEY, ASHLEY - SOUTH BAY AREA

Ashley Bailey is a voice, piano, acting, and music director new to the Bay Area from Philadelphia, PA. She holds a B.M in Music Theater from Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music with more than 20 years experience in voice, piano, and acting. I focus on musical theater and have an affinity towards audition prep for middle and high school students. My technique is rooted in somatics.

Cell: 267-337-5013

ashleybailey528@gmail.com

Facebook

BENVENUTO, MARTIN - OAKLAND, CA

As a life-long voice teacher and choral conductor, I have always strived to instill an insatiable curiosity about the arts and their connection to life and the world around us. I continue to be avidly curious about my own journey as an artist, as a technician, and as an educator.

www.martinbenvenuto.com

martinbenvenuto@hotmail.com

415 290 2878

BURGE, KELLY - Pleasanton and Online

Vocal Science, Former adjunct professor of voice at Saint Mary's College, Anatomy-based movements for vocal versatility: Musical Theater, Opera, The Singer's Style Lab online Curriculum for Pop Music, American Idol Contestants, Voiceover, Pre-College Auditions

theprofessorkelly.com

kellymusic4life@gmail.com

925-998-0802

CAIN, CHERYL - SAN FRANCISCO

For aspiring professionals or amateurs, children ages 10 and up and adults, who want to learn to sing and/or improve their singing. Technique, breathing, support, resonance, diction (including English, Italian, German, French, Spanish, Latin, and others), International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), sight-reading, acting, music history, and musicianship are all part of the curriculum. Repertoire includes opera, art song, musical theater, and other music.

www.mercedmanormusic.com

sanfransopran@gmail.com

415-952-SING

CAZDEN, JOANNA, MFA, MS-CCC; Santa Cruz

Voice Rehabilitation Specialist—I work in-person (COVID precautions) and online, helping injured singers in all genres, those at-risk due to other health issues, and de-conditioned singers seeking to refresh basic technique. In-person services include laryngeal massage and subtle energy-balancing. Certified by Performing Arts Medicine Association.

818-606-2834

joanna.cazden@gmail.com

CHEN, JOHN - San Mateo & Peninsula

John Chen is an active vocalist, pianist and conductor who maintains a rigorous schedule as a vocal coach, orchestral/choral conductor, recital pianist and high school music teacher. His main lineage of teachers include: Victoria Neve (SFSU), Corey Head (SFSU), Katherine Heater (UC Berkeley). Mr. Chen received his degree in Music Education and Performance in Voice and Piano from San Francisco State University, Kodály Certification from Holy Names University and Masters in Education from Notre Dame de Namur, Master in Choral Conducting from Messiah University. He has taught Music/Voice at St Matthews School & Crystal Springs Uplands and directed over 50 musicals and operettas. Currently, Mr. Chen is the Choral and Orchestra director at Aragon High School. Specializes in: College Audition Preparation, Developing male voices.

Jcymphony@yahoo.com

CHOWNING, MAUREEN - PALO ALTO

Coloratura soprano Maureen Chowning She has appeared on the Public Broadcasting System’s NOVA series and Smithsonian World with Max Mathews, demonstrating his Radio Baton and conductor program. She has premiered at concerts in the UK, Canada, Poland, and Japan, at the International Electronic Music Festival at Bourges, France In addition to Poland, Hong Kong, Vancouver, Mexico, Baltic States, Rome and Venice She gave the world premiere of “Voices,” composed for her by John Chowning, for computer generated sound and solo soprano at the Maison de Radio in Paris and in March 2006 the US premiere as part of a Berkeley Symphony Concert series. Also, Ms Chowning performed “Oscura” by Jean-Claude Risset at Buenos Aires, Quito and CCRMA, Stanford University. She is noted for her special ability to sing comfortably in alternative tunings, Her repertoire ranges from Handel oratorios, operatic roles such as the "Queen of the Night" from Mozart's The Magic Flute, to contemporary music including works of Schoenberg, Qui Dong, and Atau Tanaka. Ms. Chowning has maintained a busy private studio for voice pedagogy for 35 years and is very active giving master-classes around the world.

Altavoce1@gmail.com

www.maureenchowning.com

DEHNER, DAVID - SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Internally recognized vocal arts instructor: all styles, vocal health, Bel Canto techniques: Marilyn Mims (Metropolitan Opera) "Dr. Dehner embodies Bel Canto Techniques" May Tuan Tucker (CMEA Adjudicator) "When this many singers come from one studio there has to be a common denominator, the teacher"

daviddehner9@gmail.com

DELFS, ANNELLE - Home Studio in Los Altos Hills

I teach classical and musical theatre; educated in Canada; grad. Western Conservatory of Music, studied at Columbia Univ., won the Met auditions, past performer; have been teaching for many years.
annelledelfs@gmail.com

650-948-7535

DOWNEY, RYAN DR. - PENINSULA / REDWOOD CITY / ONLINE

ryan@ryan-downey.com

https://www.ryan-downey.com

Musical Theater, CCM, Jazz, and Classical

My teaching is student-focused in the sense that it pushes students of all backgrounds to find their voices through self-discovery and self-evaluation. But because I believe music should venture beyond the voice studio, I have adopted a teaching philosophy that extends past conventional academic boundaries. Through an additional focus on mentorship and community outside of the vocal studio, I aim to demonstrate music's presence as an ever-evolving social commentary relevant to a wide range of interests, rather than a rigid symbol of the past.

ELIOPOULOS SUGARMAN, ARDEN, M.A. NOVATO

I’ve taught private voice for forty-five years, including nine years on the Preparatory and Adult Extension Faculty at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Following a Bachelor of Arts in Music from CSU Chico, I received an MA in Music/Vocal Performance from SFSU. I completed my studies at Dominican University, with a Graduate Certificate in Education, a teaching credential, and a CLAD certification for second language learners.

Singing is sustained speech. With that in mind, I address the total body, person, and patterns of speech. Looking for areas that need development in posture, speech production, attitudes toward self, time management skills and self-concept, among others, and over time using pedagogic tools to address these areas, the goal is that singing becomes an integral part of the person and their life. Just as breath management comes from examining how a student breathes when speaking, supporting a vocal line starts with identifying if the student is speaking in a healthy fashion.

One’s self-concept impacts patterns of speech, timbre, placement and overall vocal health. A healthy self-concept leads to life patterns that are healthy. I emphasize the need for consistent rest, hydration, healthy eating habits, recreation and physical exercise. Thinking of the “body voice” informs this approach to pedagogy in my Vocal Studio. The student and I design a practice regimen that is realistic and able to be comfortably and practically integrated into daily life.

www.ardensugarman.com/svs

svs@ardensugarman.com

415-713-8167

ENGLAND, ELEONOR - SAN FRANCISCO / OAKLAND
https://singing-lessons-nyc.eleonorengland.com/NYC/sanfrancisco/

CCM including real jazz

EVERSOLE, ANTHONY DMA - Palo Alto/Mountain View/San Jose

A baritone with a wealth of experience teaching opera, oratorio, art song, musical theatre, and contemporary commercial styles. I’m also a frequent performer and an experienced stage director and acting coach with experience providing dramatic preparation to artists for roles and auditions.

www.anthonyeversole.com

www.musicopus1.com

anthony@musicopus1.com

541.829.2900

FISHER, ROBIN DR. - SACRAMENTO

916.995.1761

rfisher@csus.edu

FORTIER, TODD - ONLINE / OAKLAND / PIEDMONT / LAFAYETTE / WALNUT CREEK

New to the Bay Area and currently accepting students of all abilities - middle school to adult. Also enjoy working with voices that are needing rehabilitation due to vocal trauma ie. vocal nodules, polyps, etc. Use both Alexander Technique and Body Mapping in my approach to teaching. Classical/Musical Theater/CCM.

I believe in making use of the latest scientific research on the voice as well as the traditional time-tested methods as a basis for my teaching. I emphasize a solid common sense technique to establish healthy vocal habits that will allow the singer to enjoy the art of singing over a lifetime. Building of this foundation, the student can then develop their unique path of expression.

www.inspiredvoicestudio.com

tsfortier@gmail.com

414-477-9512

GORDON, MARGARET - SAN FRANCISCO
360-220-3567

info@magsvoice.com

GUNDUNAS, SUSAN - SAN FRANCISCO

Susan Gundunas, critically acclaimed singer and actor, is accepting new students to her San Francisco Vocal Studio. Specializing in teaching adults a method which builds stamina and brings out the true beauty and power of the voice, Susan also coaches singers in presentation and acting.

gundunas@gmail.com

www.susangundunas.com

(415) 568-6555

HANGLEY, MARY EVELYN - El Cerrito/ONLINE

With over 10 years of teaching experience, I teach voice to students from late elementary school through retirement! My studio encompasses a wide range of repertoire and abilities from professional opera singers to tweens who love Taylor Swift to retirees feeling brave enough to pursue a new hobby. As a professional opera singer, I've performed as leading roles with San Francisco Opera, the San Francisco Symphony, Opera San Jose, Opera Modesto, Minnesota Opera and others. @mehSoprano

MaryEvelynHangley.com

mehSoprano@gmail.com

(516) 567-1456

HEAD, COREY - SAN FRANCISCO

Corey teaches a straight-forward, healthy vocal technique in the pedagogical lineage of Berton Coffin, Barbara Doscher, and Lynn Wickham, applicable to many vocal styles—including classical, music theatre, and current popular styles. Lessons include work on technique and musical ideas including sight-singing, theory, history and foreign language diction. Students of all levels are welcome, ages 14 and up.

www.coreyhead.com

HENNESSEY, CARRIE - SACRAMENTO

Explore the power of your true voice whether you want to become a professional singer or want to improve while singing in your local choir. All the vocal technique skills explored are transferable to the rest of life: body alignment for optimum breath control, endurance, and how to align mind and body when under pressure are crucial to good health, to build confidence, and to sing as efficiently as possible with your true voice! My style of teaching is fun, enthusiastic and to the point, and my approach to singing is holistic.

www.carriehennessey.com

info@carriehennessey.com

HILLHOUSE, WENDY - REDWOOD CITY

wendyhillhouse@gmail.com; full time voice teacher at Stanford University; very small private studio with occasional openings.

HSIN, FURONG - SAN MATEO
My name is Furong Hsin and I’m a mezzo-soprano. Recently teaching voice at Scherzo Music School in San Mateo CA. I moved from Boston two years ago, would like to except new students and meet colleagues and professional musicians.

781-353-4249

furonghsin@gmail.com

ISOLA, CRYSTAL - SAN JOSE
ms.eyesola@gmail.com
I have over 30 years vocal training experience working in the bel canto style of vocal production with warm ups that focus on breath support, good vowels, and voice placement. I use quality repertoire to work on interpretation, phrasing and the basics of performance. Good tone quality is my forte.

KAYE, SHARON Ph.D

408-515-8471

skaye2@gmail.com

With over 30 years teaching voice, formers students are found in opera, musical theater, and movies. Specialize in classical and musical theater including audition preparation.

KELLER, CHERYL - BERKELY

I enjoy teaching students of all levels, from high school age to older adults. I generally teach classical and musical theater repertoire, with an emphasis on good basic vocal technique.

cherylhighsop@gmail.com

KELLOWAY, DR. LARISSA - ONLINE & BERKELEY, CA

Hello. I’m Larissa, a theatre performer, and voice, acting and bodywork teacher. My PhD research investigated using Pilates to support the performing artist’s vocal instrument. My students benefit from these research findings receiving evidence-based training in safe and efficient vocal production for the performing artist. Specialty - Musical Theatre, Cabaret

larissa@kelloway.com.au

https://larissakelloway.com

LA GATTA, BRITT
brittlagatta@yahoo.com

LIN, FEI Ms. - SAN JOSE
I am a dedicated voice teacher with expertise in opera and music theater, offering comprehensive instruction for all levels. Specializing in these captivating performance genres, I provide tailored voice lessons that help students unlock their full vocal potential and excel in the world of opera and music theater.

linfei6666@hotmail.com

LIU, XIAOFEI - Livermore

I am a former assistant professor in vocal education. I have 30 years experience in vocal teaching.

sophievocal@yahoo.com

LUDOWISE, KATHLEEN - SAN JOSE
Phone: 408-257-0443
Website: https://sites.google.com/site/ludowisevocalstudio/
Styles taught: Classical and Musical Theater
Clientele: Students ages 14 and older.

MATTEUCCI, JENNY - Walnut Creek

Classical and Musical Theater, cabaret styles. Adults only and Specializing in the over 50 voice.

Jenny.matteucci@gmail.com

510-910-0588

McGUINESS, NANETTE - BERKELEY
Email: nmc22@cornell.edu
www.nanette.biz

McPHERRIN, LIESL
415-203-5036
www.lieslmcpherrin.com

Merced Manor Music Studio - San Francisco

Study with Cheryl Cain, soprano, an actively performing opera singer with the San Francisco Opera, San Francisco Symphony Chorus, and teacher for 15+ years. Singing lessons for aspiring professionals or amateurs, all ages, all styles from opera to musical theater to contemporary.

www.mercedmanormusic.com

MICHELBERG, RACHEL - LOS ALTOS HILLS
I have a beautiful studio in Los Altos Hills, emphasis on musical theater and classical. Audition prep a specialty.

rachelmichelberg@gmail.com

MITCHELL, JENNIFER - SAN FRANCISCO

Soprano and voice teacher specializing in classical and musical theatre styles as well as audition coaching; adjunct faculty member at SJSU; former teacher of Lyric Diction; holds an M.A. in Vocal Performance from SJSU and a dual B.A. in Music and Italian from Wellesley College.

www.jenniferalexismitchell.com

jennifer.alexis.mitchell@gmail.com

MOUDRY, OLGA - SAN MATEO

Classical singing is my speciality, but I also teach other styles and help with overall voice development. Prepare students for CM and competitions.

408-772-9734

olgamoudry@gmail.com

www.olgachernisheva.com

OLBASH, SVEN - SAN FRANCISCO
415 577 1827

sven.edward@gmail.com

www.SvenEdward.art

classical opera and musical theater, currently accepting students

OPPENHEIM-BEGGS, SARAH - ASHLAND, OR
541-708-5731

sarah@theartfulheart.com

www.theartfulheart.com

middle school age students through adults, classical and musical theater.

OROZCO, LUIS - San Jose

Baritone, professional Opera Singer and on faculty at SJSU. Performed in opera houses like; The Metropolitan Opera, Washington National Opera, Opera de Lyon, Korea National Opera, Opera Theater und Sankt Gallen, Detroit Opera, San Diego Opera and more. CCM grad with a M.M and a DMA from UW Madison. Comfortable teaching classical and Musical Theater.

www.luisalejandroorozco.com

luis.a.orozco@sjsu.edu

915-422-8735

PAULINO, JENNIFER - EMERYVILLE, CA

I love working with a wide range of students age 6 to adults. I especially love working with teens, and adults who sing in local choirs. I specialize in early music, but feel comfortable teaching all classical styles and some contemporary styles as well. Please do reach out to secure a future spot. Also work with voices in need of rehabilitation due to vocal trauma. Classical, Musical Theater, and CCM styles.

www.jenniferpaulino.com

www.paulino.musicteachershelper.com/registration

RAPANAN, VICTORIA - PLEASANT HILL

Classical, Musical Theater, Pop, Rock, R&B, Jazz, Gospel
Accepting new students for private lessons and group voice classes
(925) 216-5913
victoriarapanan@healthyvocaltechnique.com

https://www.healthyvocaltechnique.com/

ROEMER, KATYA - WEST SAN JOSE
Soprano – Voice Studio. Where motivated singers with a commitment to their craft refine and hone their vocal technique and interpretive performance skills. Lessons for intermediate to advanced/professional singers. For more info. please visit www.katyaroemer.com
I look forward to hearing from you.

RYKEN, FRANK
Voice teacher, Alexander Technique teacher.

SCHARLACH, JACQUE WILSON - CASTRO VALLEY

jwilson1897@gmail.com

classical and musical theater, waitlist.

SINCLAIR, EMILY - SANTA CRUZ

www.emilyvsinclair.com

taking new students age 13 and older.

SLOAN, SARAH - LIVERMORE

Ages 10 and up. Beginners welcome.

www.sarahsloan.net

SOMERS, CHAD - MARTINEZ / PLEASANT HILL / STOCKTON

Thrilled to meet new students as they seek to begin singing, audition for college, hone their artistry, or refresh understanding. Classical and Musical Theater. Limited vacancies but reach out anyway!
chadwicksomers@gmail.com

www.chadsomers.com

STRAWN, LEE DR. - SoMa SAN FRANCISCO
Dr. Lee Strawn is delighted to meet new students interested in Musical Theatre and Classical singing.

SFSings.com

TUPPER, KATIE - PENINSULA / ONLINE

Currently Online, SF Peninsula and Orange County

katietupper.com

katie_tupper@yahoo.com

ULLOA, JUANITA DR. - ONLINE / STOCKTON

Professor of Voice/ Operachi Singer/ Spanish Court Certified Linguist/Adjunct Voice Faculty Laney Community College, Oakland, CA /Private In Person & Online Studio

I welcome singers of all styles, ages and levels! My specialty areas are both classical and Hispanic vocal styles, including but not limited to mariachi. I love helping singers find and build their voices whether serious beginners or competition level professionals. Home studio is Stockton, with extensive online training at national and international levels.

(510) 499-2222

www.voicetrainerdr.com www.juanitamusic.com

VOILLEQUÉ, MICHÈLE - BERKELEY
510 552 8160

singermv@gmail.com

www.mvmusik.com

WAXER, ERICA - Palo Alto & Online

Ages: kids, teens and adults. Styles: musical theater, classical, rock and pop.

Info@musicwitherica.com

***

For a nation-wide teacher directory for NATS, click here.

NATS Media to Purchase

Masterclass (October 5, 2002) by Oren Brown
Mr. Oren Brown presented this dynamic master class for the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of NATS in 2002, just two years before his death on March 6, 2004.

DVDs available for $18.00 plus shipping/handling.