Suda Voice Studio
About
I have performed a variety of operatic and music theatre roles with companies on the east coast as well as in the west. A native of Pennsylvania, I graduated from Seton Hill College and pursued graduate studies at the University of Missouri and Peabody Conservatory. While a student at Peabody, I was chosen, through process of audition, as an Artist Diploma candidate and was a national winner in the American Opera Awards, a Metropolitan Opera regional finalist and a finalist with the Center for Contemporary Opera. I received critical acclaim for my oratorio roles including the Angel in Laud to Nativity, and soprano soloist in the Elijah, Bach Cantata #51, and the Rutter Requiem. I have performed as a
soloist with the Four Corners Opera, Light Opera of Manhattan, Baltimore Opera Company, and Opera Theatre of St. Louis among others.
Appearances with other organizations include soloist with the Northwest Chamber Orchestra, Tacoma Opera, and the Pacific Northwest Ballet. One of my most memorable
appearances was as soprano soloist with the Earshot Jazz Duke Ellington Sacred Concerts. I am a co-founder and general director of Oklahoma Civic Opera in Oklahoma City and as an Oklahoma State Arts Council Artist in Residence and
directed and performed the role of the Queen of the Night in that company’s first production, The Magic Flutet. I am a past Artist in Residence in New York, Oklahoma, and was a rostered artist with the Washington State Arts Commission and the ESD in Mt. Vernon. I have served as an instructor of music and
drama at Archbishop Murphy High School in Everett (formerly Holy Cross High School) and served as director and choreographer for all music theatre productions. While holding the position of Arts Director at Cannon School and most recently served as a music studies lecturer and adjunct professor at UNC Charlotte. I have since been chosen again to direct the opera scenes at Davidson College for the Department of Music this coming fall. I was a voice faculty member at the Gaston School of the Arts and maintain an active private voice studio in Concord, North Carolina.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Lessons: Lessons are held on a weekly basis. Weekly lessons will be 30 minutes in length with five minute intervals between each lesson. These few minutes will allow for late arrivals or the time to briefly
speak with parents if needed. More advanced students also have the option of one hour lessons if there is a need,
depending on the level of instruction.
Payment: Lessons are $25.00 per half hour. A payment of $125.00 is due at the beginning of each five lesson cycle. If student is approved for an hour lesson, a payment of $50.00 is due at the beginning of each lesson.
At the beginning of the month of September and January there will be a charge of $10.00 for each student. This fee covers printing costs and CD accompaniments.
Missed lessons:
If a student is ill or simply not able to make a lesson please try and give me a call as soon as possible. I normally do not make up lessons due to my busy schedule. I do not charge for missed lessons. Things happen that are beyond your control. I understand.
Practicing:
Students will be expected to practice regularly at home. A good goal is 5-10 minutes of daily
vocalize for beginners, 5-6 days a week. I am always available for questions or concerns by phone,
email or in person by appointment.
Competitions and Auditions: All of my students have the opportunity (not a requirement) to participate in several professionally sponsored programs, if they are interested. These include Competitions in November and February for the NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing), with State Competitions in April, Federation of Music
Clubs Festivals in February and a new Hal Leonard Vocal Competition by video- you tube (deadline- February 1st, 2012).
Vocal Literature: I teach the Bel Canto style of vocal technique which means “beautiful singing”. Each lesson begins with breathing exercises that emphasize a natural support for a relaxed and resonant instrument.
All vocal warm up exercises that follow work in tandem with this idea of the natural placement that uses no
muscular tension as its basis. Repertoire is discussed as needed to satisfy competition requirements, performances, and the student’s preferences. I am happy to supply most of the music for practice purposes only.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Music faculty, Covenant Classical School
Arts Director, Cannon School ·
MS Teacher- Theatre Arts - Cannon School ·
Director of Performing Arts Program - Archbishop Murphy
High School (formerly HolyCross High School) Everett, Wa
Artist-in-Residence in the states of New York, Oklahoma, Washington
Rostered Artist - (by invitation) WESTAF (the Western States Arts Federation) ·
Rostered Artist - ESD - Mount Vernon, Wa. ·
Rostered Artist -City of Enumclaw Arts Commission (Wa)
Instructor - Village Theatre KIDSTAGE - Everett, Wa.
Instructor - Sky Theatre (Stanwood) - Arlington, Wa. ·
Instructor - Summer Stars - Everett, Wa. ·
Director of ChoralStudies - Welborn Middle School - Guilford County Schools (High Point, NC)
Education:
Bachelor of Music
Music Education/Related Arts in the Performing Arts
Seton HillCollege, Greensburg, Pa.
Master of Music, with honors
Vocal Performance
University of Missouri - Columbia
Peabody Conservatory
Further graduate study - Opera, Voice
Selected by process of audition- Candidate for Artist Diploma
Baltimore, Maryland
Graduate Study- Vocal Pedagogy
Gordon College, Wenham Massachusetts
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Please see above or go to my website, LindaSuda.com
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching once my singing career took off. I began as an Artist in Residence in several states and then began a private voice studio specializing in musical theatre and operatic song.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with many students young and old. Many have gone on to conservatory and professional development as performers.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Simply sign up for a trial lesson and speak to the teacher about your aspirations as a singer. You will get a feeling right away if it is a good fit.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
As I mentioned, you must really talk to the teacher about what you need from them. Also, it is important to find out if the teacher will be offering opportunities for competitions and auditions.