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.

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SFBAC NATS By-Laws

Download PDF here.

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Dorothy Barnhouse

(September 19, 1932 - June 23, 2019)

Our Board

President, Jacque Wilson Scharlach

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. Phillip Harris & Dr. Erin McOmber

Membership Director, Jonathan Smucker

Communications Coordinator, Dr. Ryan Downey

Recording Secretary, Angelique Zuluaga

Treasurer, Dr. Lee Strawn

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

jacque wilson scharlach
President

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 West Valley College, as well as maintaining 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 believes in teaching a bel canto technique to all her students whether they are singing classical, musical theatre or jazz.

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.

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.

Dr. phillip harris

co-vice president of Student Auditions

Phillip Harris is a diverse musician with a unique background in vocal music. He has sung as a soloist at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. He has appeared with the San Francisco Symphony, Aspen Music Festival, Aspen Wind Ensemble, Reno Chamber Orchestra, San Francisco Opera (Chorus), Opera Las Vegas, Pocket Opera, San Mateo Masterworks Chorale and Orchestra, Mountain Play, Island City Opera, and the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival. Having sung over twenty roles in opera, operetta, and musical theater, favorite roles include King Arthur (Camelot), Don Giovanni (Don Giovanni), Marius (Les Misérables), Dr. Falke (Die Fledermaus), and Marcello and Schaunard (La Bohème).

An avid researcher on the classical songs of Black composers, he has presented lectures, masterclasses, and or recitals on the topic at Peabody Institute, Westminster Choir College, Alabama State University, University of California, Santa Cruz, and San Francisco City College. He has also written a book on Black American composer and arranger Jacqueline Hairston, Songs and Spirituals The Life and Music of Jacqueline Hairston. He recorded an album Phillip Harris in Recital with acclaimed conductor and composer, Damien Sneed. As a singer-songwriter, his EP , In My Philz, is available on all streaming platforms.

Dr. Harris has music or vocal directed musicals with Mountain Play, Young Musical Theater Company, MoonSchool at 42nd Street Moon, Head-Royce School, and The Nueva School that include Camelot, Bring it On, Legally Blonde, Shrek, A Chorus Line, Annie Jr, Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure, Head Over Heels, The Addams Family, and Fiddler on the Roof. He teaches at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music as a voice faculty member of the Pre-College division as well as the music history and literature department. Additional teaching positions include high school vocal music director at Menlo School and an adjunct instructor at West Valley College. He was previously performing arts chair and vocal music director at Head-Royce and a music teacher at Stuart Hall for Boys. He holds voice degrees from University of Nevada Las Vegas (Doctor of Musical Arts), University of Michigan (Master of Music), and the University of California, Irvine (Bachelor of Music). www.philliplnharris.com.

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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.

RYAN DOWNEY, COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Dr. Ryan Downey (bass-baritone) graduated with highest honors from Arizona State University, receiving his Bachelor’s in Voice Performance. He received his Master of Music degree in Voice Performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he won the Elizabeth Stoeckler Stevens Prize in German Lieder. Over the years, he had the opportunity to work and coach with Michael Tilson Thomas, Warren Jones, Lori Laitman, and George Darden. Throughout his career, Dr. Downey has performed roles in Così fan tutte, Ariadne auf Naxos, La traviata, Gianni Schicchi, Le nozze di Figaro, Die Zauberflöte, Don Giovanni, Handel’s Serse, and Gallantry.

Ryan was recently awarded a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in which he explored performances of Duke Ellington's First Sacred Concert in Phoenix, Arizona. The project was a culmination of archival research from collections throughout Arizona and the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.

He has sung with the GRAMMY Award-Winning Phoenix Chorale, GRAMMY nominated True Concord Voices and Orchestra, Arizona Opera Chorus, American Bach Soloists, Oregon Bach Festival, and Trinity Cathedral Choir and has taught voice in private and collegiate voice studios.

In 2015, he received a competitive grant through Northern Trust and Virginia G. Piper to start a salon concert series in his home. Each concert brings together local musicians and audiences from different genres of music, including jazz, rock, a cappella, folk, and classical music.

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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.

dr. lee strawn, treasurer

Lee earned the Doctorate and Master's Degrees from the internationally-renowned Eastman School of Music in New York. He was also awarded Performer's Certificates in both Voice and Opera from Eastman, where he studied voice with Jan DeGaetani and Thomas Paul. Lee was invited to study at the Aspen Music Festival where he worked with Hans Heins, Adele Addisson and Steve Blier and has also studied voice with Lynn Wickham and Daniel Balestrero.

Lee has been a successful voice teacher for over 30 years. He has taught privately in New York and Chicago and now teaches in downtown San Francisco as well as on-line lessons. He has also taught at the Aspen Music School in Colorado. For eleven years he was a tenured Associate Professor of Voice at Northern Illinois University, outside of Chicago. He is a proud member of the faculty of City College San Francisco and the MFA Program at the American Conservatory Theater. He is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Music Teacher's National Association, Actor's Equity Association and the American Guild of Musical Artists.

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

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Carlos Eckart

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Todd Brown

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Linda Takahashi

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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 both 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

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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

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

Classical was my first love as a graduate of the Western Conservatory of Music in London, On., Canada. After studies in NYC - Columbia Univ., voice at Julliard and Deportment at the Met., and performing for years, I grew to love musical theatre and have taught it for years with students performing successfully in broadway shows; and, of course, in the Bay Area. I don't have age limitation, as my strong passion is technique and its challenges through all singing.
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

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

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.

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

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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.