About
IMPORTANT: Please see screenshots below featuring reviews posted on a previous platform. Unfortunately - TakeLessons, the previous website where I was teaching, has shut down. I had almost 100 positive reviews over there. Anyway, I am focusing efforts here now! :) I think I only added half of them so far... haha. I have 2 bios - one with my education experience, one with my singing experience.
I'm a dramatic soprano with a wide range of repertoire. My most recent professional engagements include the title role in Katze Ivanka at the Sofia National Opera and Nedda in I Pagliacci at the Stara Zagora Opera in Bulgaria (2018/2019). During 2020-2022, I was fortunate to be accepted into the master's program at the Hochschule für Musik Franz Liszt in Weimar, allowing me to maintain an active musical life when many performance opportunities were limited. While there, I performed in numerous recitals, gala concerts, scenes and partial operatic roles, with highlights including Agathe in Der Freischütz for the Weber 100th Anniversary Concert and Marcellina in Le Nozze di Figaro.
In 2023/2024, much to my surprise, I was selected for an additional year studies through an ERASMUS exchange at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music, where I fulfilled my wish to study with pedagogue Zigrida Krigere. I also received the opportunity to perform a scene and Orfeo's aria from Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice as part of the academy's opera scenes program.
My previous performances include roles at the Mediterranean Opera Festival in Italy (Fioridiligi, Suor Angelica, and Nella), Woglinde in Wagner's Das Rheingold with the Berlin Dramatic Voice Program, and singing aria selections from Carmen in Bahrain with the Manama Singers in a concert version of Bizet's opera. My concert repertoire spans from Bach to Russian art songs, with performances at venues including Moscow's Rachmaninov Hall and the Chekhov Museum.
Beyond classical music, I performed regularly with a jazz quartet in Bahrain and appeared as a featured vocalist in faculty concert series in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Moscow.
During the summer of 2024 I re-located to Norway, where I am currently based. I continue to study privately with vocal pedagogue Brian Jauhiainen while beginning the journey of establishing my presence here in Norway and beginning the arduous process of auditioning more actively in Europe (side note - been stuck here in Norway for visa reasons, but this should be resolved in a few months).
Also relevant: I am a certified Music Educator and have taught in international British Schools worldwide, specializing in vocal and instrumental programs for students aged 6-14. I've also conducted major festivals like the COBIS International Music Festival Orchestra and the BSF Gifted and Talented Festival Choir and String Orchestra. I also regularly coached students for ABRSM and Trinity practical and theory exams, with many earning top honors.
Please reach out for trial lessons! I am happy to do it.
Highlights
Payment methods
Specialties
Musical styles
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
hector R.
Michael M.
Chris W.
Elizabeth G.
Ali A.
Jean P.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
This all depends on the students level of course.
Usually I'll figure out their voice type and assign appropriate repertoire. When I have students who've already done lessons in the past, this is a quick process and we basically get straight to work on technique.
For new students or pop/rock students, this can take a few lessons as they usually have no idea about their range or capability. Many of the pop/rock singers I teach learn through "imitation" and have no idea that their voice is capable of something completely different (in a good way).
For students that have trouble matching pitch, we will typically do ear training work and divide the lesson up to 15 minute chunks per week so we consistently develop their ear.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a degree in Music Education and have taught in various International Schools all over the world including Moscow, Abu Dhabi, Manama, Prague & Valencia.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Yes, my lessons are $38 per 30m, $52 for 45m or $70 per hour. I recommend one hour to advanced singers and for serious singers most do 2 lessons per week. (By serious I mean professional Musical Theater or Classical, not pop).
How did you get started teaching?
I've always taught as I was a Music Ed major but my passion is Vocal Pedagogy.
What types of students have you worked with?
EVERYONE!
Most of my studnets are between 14 and 30 but I've taught all ages. Currently I have one 6 year old and an 11 year old who are both very responsive students.
I've taught voice lessons to people 50+ as well and even conducted community choirs with this age group as well.
In the schools I've worked in, I've taught all ages but especially ages 10-14
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Free outdoor Berlin Phil concert that was sold out for months in advance.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure you have a voice teacher giving you practice, useful advice. There are a lot of terrible voice teachers out there who "sing" but don't know how the mechanism works. I'd recommend to go to an opera singer no matter what your genre.
Opera singers usually actually know SOMETHING.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How will we assess my needs and what will we do specifically to meet those needs?