Offers online services
About
As an opera singer, I have been singing professionally for two and a half decades and have more than 50 roles to my credit, including performances at the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall.
I have been teaching voice privately since 2007, to studios of up to as many as 35 students of all ages in several major metropolitan areas all across the U.S.
I am primarily a classical musician, and I use that foundation in my teaching of all vocal music. I have a broad base of knowledge and experience to bring to my teaching. I work with students on all aspects of vocal technique, musicality and musical fluency, musical communication, and dramatic presence. As a teacher, I love helping students discover what their instruments can do.
Specialties
Musical styles
Classical, Opera, Musical theater
Years experience
0 – 2 years experience, 2 – 4 years experience, 4+ years of experience
Able to read music
Student can read music
Lesson length
30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes
Student's age
14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old
Photos and videos
Reviews
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Gabrielle O.
Michelle is incredibly knowledgeable about the voice and the mechanics of the instrument. She is able to explain complex ideas in ways that make it very approachable and has multiple methods and imagery for making a connection to the concept. I am classically trained, havent sung for a while and am interested in Musical Theatre and Michelle has done such a wonderful job of blending together my interests with our goals for the lessons. My voice has grown so much since we started lessons together and I am so grateful for her ability to share her wisdom in a way that is meaningful and personable as well as her ability to encourage me. I learn so much every lesson and throughly enjoy my time learning with Michelle! I cannot recommend her enough!
July 24, 2023
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Joshua D.
Great great teacher
June 14, 2018
•Hired on Lessons
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John G.
Michelle is a joy to work with. She teaches with the right combination of constructive observation and encouragement. Shes very grounded in technique and has a gifted, discerning ear which importantly linked physiology to sound. Of the many things I loved about working with her, I want to highlight her ambition *on my behalf* -- she was thinking not only of my voice but my resume, my auditions, my operatic connections. She opened my voice and she opened doors for me. Highly recommended.
September 23, 2017
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Madeleine G.
Michelle is awesome! I went into lessons with her because I am an instrumentalist and I wanted to learn about singing to understand musicality, phrasing, and interpretation of music. Michelle taught me how to interpret the feeling, text painting, and how best to bring out the phrasing of a piece. Once or twice, I was so moved by what we discovered in the music together, I was brought to tears. Thanks to Michelle, I look at music a completely different way - she is a fantastic musician and any student would be lucky to have her guidance.
September 13, 2017
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Jillian F.
Michelles excellent, real-world experience is so valuable. She brings these skills to each lesson and imparts not only vocal techniques, but also modern approaches to performing, ideas for getting gigs, and methods for maintaining vocal health. She also makes excellent repertoire suggestions and is incredibly personable.
September 08, 2017
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Barbara W.
Seven years ago I was given the opportunity to join a large choir at my church (I say given as I was never a singer). As it turned out, I had enough of a voice to blend but virtually no experience. As luck would have it, Michelle Rice was our lead staff singer for the alto section. I began working with her and thanks to her amazing teaching skills, methods, and personality, I am now beginning my seventh year with a better understanding of music theory and using the voice that has only improved thanks to Michelle and the time she has spent with me.. It is a privilege to work with her and I look forward to each lesson.
September 08, 2017
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
In our first lesson, I will assess the student's instrument and technique. We will talk about breathing, posture, and the basic physicality of making noise. Students should come prepared to move around and try different things. We will also discuss the student's musical and vocal background, training, goals, and concerns.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
DMA, Vocal Performance, UCLA
MM, Opera Performance, University of Maryland
BM, Vocal Performance, University of Washington
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$90 / hour
$70 / 45 minutes
$45 / 30 minutes
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching as her regular substitute for a teaching colleague and eventually built up a studio of my own.
What types of students have you worked with?
Elementary, secondary school, and high school-aged students; children, adults, seniors; hobbyists, working musicians, people returning to music after a break, degree-seeking college voice students; people studying jazz, pop, opera, choral music.... I have literally worked with nearly every student population in voice.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
In 2022, I commissioned, produced, and performed a new one-person about about Lady Macbeth.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Try to have a clear idea of what you want from voice lessons and discuss that with a prospective teacher, to get an idea if that person would be a good fit for your needs.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Consider all of the various reasons you want to study voice. Try to get clear about what your motivations are. Be creative! Ask yourself, what's a realistic goal I can imagine myself pursuing in singing? And, what's an *outrageous* goal I can imagine myself pursuing in singing? And most importantly, how much time am I willing to spend practicing?
Services offered
Singing