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Star Music Studio

5.0 (8)

1 hire on Lessons.com

1 employee

21 years in business

About this pro

With over 15 years of experience and a Masters Degree in music education, I offer instruction in a wide variety of styles. I am also a professional vocalist and actress in Chicago and bring my decades of performing experience to my lessons.

I love the process of unlocking each student's unique and powerful voice - both musically and artistically speaking.

Credentials

Evanston, IL 60202

Email verified

Phone verified

8 Reviews

5.0

Emma & Mary Beth Samuelson

From Emma (student): Colette has a great voice herself, so it's easy to hear the correct way to sing because she models it. She really encourages me and makes me want to get better. She can coach any type of vocalist! From Mom: My daughter felt comfortable with Colette right away. She has learned so much about placement, support and tone from Colette's instruction and example. Colette is a working professional herself, and she has been very helpful in preparing my daughter for auditions.

2017-06-28
Spencer Rosin

Colette is so welcoming and makes me feel comfortable. She always makes certain I understand what she is teaching me and has so many great tricks I still use to this day!

2017-06-28
Willow Schneider

I've been going to Colette's studio for quite a few years now, and she's always such a big help. From brushing up on technique to audition prep, I know I can always rely on her advice to make me sound my best.

2017-06-28
Kayla Kennedy

Colette has become an irreplaceable resource for me as a young woman in my first years in the Chicago theatre community. Whether it be consistent lessons working on technique or a last minute session for a callback, I always leave her studio feeling more confident and prepared. She has helped me find my unique voice! And on top of all that her scheduling system is easy and flexible.

2017-06-28
Kara Posmer

Working with Colette Todd has helped me overcome several vocal challenges. The tone and quality of my voice was very different in high and low registers with a very definite break. She helped me smooth out the break, gain more control and have a good consistent sound no matter what note I am singing. She taught me a new way to think about breathing that has given me breath support like I've never had before. She has given me the tools I need be able sing many styles of music including safely belting. Artistically, she has helped me significantly, giving me tips, techniques and concepts to think about while "coloring" my song. This has lead to better interpretations of the music and a higher level of performance I just didn't have before. Since my technique has improved, instead of worrying if the notes will come out right, I am confident they will and I can focus on performing the heck out of the music.

2017-06-28
Kyle Klein II

Colette has been an amazing instructor and coach. Not only is she a wonderful teacher, able to work technique and explain methods in multiple ways to get through to her students, but as a working actress in Chicago she is able to provide valuable insights into the minds of the staff of many theatres and help tailor auditions for them. Colette has definitely helped me achieve the successes I have had so far at the beginning of my career.

2017-06-28
Karla A. Rennhofer

I highly recommend Colette. She is a very talented singer and instructor and I believe that my voice has dramatically improved since I've been working with her. She is a consummate teacher and is always explaining technique and reasoning, while at the same time she is practical and ensures that tasks (i.e. preparing for an audition) are achieved. I feel that Colette has been invested in my growth, individualizes my lessons according to what I need to learn, and she constantly raises the bar for me in a supportive manner. She is down-to-earth, smart, and funny and creates a positive atmosphere. Colette is truly phenomenal. I am thrilled to be under her instruction and would recommend her to anyone.

2017-06-28
Justine Raczy

I have been working with Colette for a few months now and her instruction is invaluable. As a classically trained singer who does musical theatre, it definitely is a challenging road to get equally as comfortable with your mix/belt voices as you are with your classical sound. Colette has helped me acquire and produce these sounds not only faster than ever before but also in a HEALTHY way. She is the best!

2017-06-28

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FAQs

What is your typical process for working with a new student?

At a first lesson, we will discuss your goals and any concerns you may have about your voice. We wil then start vocalizing and technique work. Finally, we will select some repertoire that is specifically chosen to strengthen your voice and meet your goals.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

Colette received her own musical training at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she completed her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education with High Honors, and her Master's Degree in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. She is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS).

In addition to her teaching, Colette works across the Chicagoland area as a proud member of Actors' Equity (AEA) and as a critically acclaimed actress and soprano having performed with Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Marriott Theatre, Writers Theatre, Drury Lane Oakbrook Theater, Theater at the Center, Mercury Theatre Chicago, Light Opera Works, Illinois Opera Theatre, and Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre.

Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.

30 min lesson - $40
45 min lesson - $60
60 min lesson - $70

How did you get started teaching?

Early in her career, she established herself as a music teacher and choral director in the public schools, teaching for over a decade at both the elementary and high school levels. Since then she has served as an Adjunct Professor of Music Education at Carthage College, and was the founding director of the Carthage College Vocal Jazz Ensemble at Carthage College in Kenosha, WI. Colette has also taught music within the Theatre Conservatory of the Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA) at Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL.

What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?

Find a teacher who you 'click' with. Studying voice is very personal. An instructor's training is equally important but the trust in the relationship between student and instructor is equally important to make real progress.

What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?

What goals do you have for yourself, short and long term, studying voice?

What strengths are you proud of vocally?

What areas of your voice would you like to strenthen?

What vocalists do you admire?

What styles of music are you passionate about singing?