Voice Teachers
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Voice Teachers
August 2009
My 13 year-old has developed an interest in musical theater. She's
realized that she won't be able to have significant parts without some
voice coaching. So we're looking for someone who would enjoy working
with a middle-school beginner. We're also interested in helping her
develop basic movement/dance skills if anyone knows of someone who
gives individual lessons, or a class that would work for a beginner
that age.
would-be drama queen's mama
We have a wonderful voice teacher who was in the Phantom of the Opera
in San Francisco a few years back and teaches at ACT. He generally
teaches over in the east bay once a week. My daughter and her friend
have had lessons with him for about a year now and I give him my
absolute highest recommendations--hopefully he will still be
available after posting this! Contact information: Robert Rutt:
646-391-7667 or rbrtrtt@aol.com
mom who wants to take lessons too!
I recommend you check out Youth Musical Theater Company - they offer
teens the opportunity to participate in workshops and wonderful
musical theater productions. The YMTC artistic director, Jennifer
Boesing, also offers private voice lessons for teens and adults. My
son takes lessons from her - enjoys it immensely - and I have even
taken a few so can attest to her wonderful professional yet
supportive and gentle teaching style. Their web site is
http://www.ymtcberkeley.org and Jennifer can be reached at
Jennifer@ymtcberkeley.org.
Judy
My daughter has been involved with musical theatre for years.She loves
her voice teacher- Erica Maier -who is near the Berkeley campus.She is
very nurturing and she is a great teacher. Her phone number is
510-225-5380.
Ellen
I don't know if the ''Broadway Babies'' program still exists. It was
run for years at CCCT by Judy Whiting. Judy also taught private
lessons on the side. I don't have contact info for her, but maybe
someone else knows whether she's still doing this.
anon
August 2008
Greetings - our daughter is newly interested in vocal
lessons. We'd love to find someone who is both an
excellent instructor and works well with teens - patient
and supportive as our daughter decides whether or not to
pursue this talent. She will be turning fifteen shortly
and attends BHS. Have checked the archives and not found
anything. Coach living in North Berkeley near Solano and
The Alameda would be ideal, otherwise accessible by bus to
that area would be very helpful.
Many thanks
My daughter (and several other girls we know) loved her
voice lessons with Cyrise Beatty. She was everything you ask
for - great with teens, patient and supportive as they
explore their interests, and a great instructor (as well as
one of the most warm and wonderful people I have ever met).
At the time (a few years ago), Cyrise was teaching at a home
on the Marin Circle (right in your neighborhood), as well as
at a location in El Sobrante. Her contact information can be
found at http://www.livinglanguagecamp.com/links.html
anon
My 18 year old daughter has taken vocal lessons for about
five years with a wonderful teacher named Jennifer Boesing.
She is very patient and encouraging. She works with teens
quite a lot. She herself is trained in and performs
classical music as well as having trained in theater. She
is also the artistic director of the Youth Musical Theatre
Company in Berkeley. My daughter and her friends love her
and are totally inspired by her spirit as well as her
technical expertise! Her studio is near MLK and Francisco
in North Berkeley. My daughter feels that she has been one
of the most influential adults in her life!
If you contact her please tell her Paul and Leah recommended
her. I don't think that you'll be disappointed! She can be
reached at info@ymtcberkeley.org
Paul
If she's still teaching private lessons, I highly recommend
Cary Sheldon for voice lessons. She's great with teens. My
daughter, who's now a college freshman, took lessons from
Cary during middle school and early high school. She
teaches from her home in North Berkeley and can be reached
at sheldon-hanes@sbcglobal.net.
anon
My daughter and several friends of hers take voice lessons
with Erica Maier. She is several blocks from the downtown
Berkeley bart on Channing. She is wonderful with teens, and
has also been the musical director for several teen
musicals. We just love her. Her phone number is
510-225-5380. Ellen
Ellen Adler
Cary Sheldon is an excellent voice teacher for teens. My daughter and many
of
her friends have taken voice from her and they love her. She's in North
Berkeley
and you can reach her at 510-843-9687.
Sarah
For Voice Lessons, I very highly recommend Ann Moss. She
has unfortunately moved to El Cerrito, but she picks up
her students from the BART to bring to her home for
lessons. My daughter has been taking Voice from her for
several years. Ann is not only an incredibly accomplished
singer, she is also a wonderful young woman. I feel like
I'm getting two for the price of one: voice lessons, and
a very healthy, happy, pleasant young woman (late 20's)
that my daughter feels very comfortable with and loves to
talk to. Ann herself is an opera singer, but teaches
anything, she teaches my daughter jazz, but there's a
group of young guys in a rock band that have sometimes
been before her! Prices are reasonable. Her email is
voiceclass@gmail.com webpage:
http://annmoss.googlepages.com/
Rhoda
For anyone looking for a voice teacher who works with
typical and special needs kids,teens, and adults, I can
highly recommend Ayelet Cohen. Her number is 510-684-3323,
and she teaches in Berkeley. She is trained in opera and
classical music, but will work with other musical styles
too. My daughter is 19 and has Autism Spectrum Disorder and
is cognitively challenged as well. When we started with
Ayelet a few years ago, my daughter could not sing on key,
and it was painful to listen to. So we started her on voice
lessons. Ayelet is sooooo patient and treats her students
with the utmost respect. My daughter actually sings on key
now and loves her lessons!
Lisa M.
March 2007
Can anybody recommend a voice teacher for a 12 year old
girl (and also for an adult, as I may do this also!)??
I live in the Lamorinda area, and would like to stay within
a half hour drive.
Many thanks!
I can highly recommend my wonderful voice teacher, Phoebe
Sorgen (528-9428), who lives in Berkeley. She's a very
supportive, experienced teacher, with a wide range of
techniques. She is with familiar with many styles of
singing, although we have been concentrating on opera for
several years. She works well with teens, also. And she
herself has a beautiful voice, which adds to my enjoyment of
our work together!
A very satisfied student
I was referred to Ruth Onstadt in Lafayette by the mother
of a girl (now in college) with an incredible voice. My
child lost interest, so I never called her, but she came
highly recommended. I was told that she does a great job
explaining to students how to breathe, etc. so they don't
hurt their voices. Her phone number is 253-0929 and her e-
mail address is onstadt[at]aol.com
Mom of teen in Contra Costa Co.
Oct 2006
My 15 year old son is interested in taking voice and piano
lessons to enhance his future career as a rock musician!
He took piano lessons a few years ago, so has some piano
background, but would like more keyboard training. He
plays guitar, writes and composes songs, and would like
voice training. Any suggestions in North Berkeley? This
can be the same teacher or different ones. Preferably,
we'd like lessons at home, but this is not a
requirement.Any suggestions?
musical mom
musical mom
Ellen Hoffman is a FABULOUS piano teacher and voice coach.
Especially that your son likes to write music...Ellen is
patient, REALLY FUN and sparks the creativeness in people.
She doesn't teach voice technique as much as performance
coaching....best key, stance, projection, attitude, etc.
Ellen is also director of the Berkeley Broadway Singers
choral group, writes music, directs, teaches, etc.
Her e-mail is ellenlouisehoffman[at]sbcglobal.net
She's on Cornell and Hopkins in. Bkly. Have fun
June
I would recommend Bryan Dyer as a voice and piano coach. He is an
amazing human being and would be a wonderful influence in any teenager's life.
He can also connect students with other talented young teens around the Bay
Area through Young Performers International, as well as offer extraordinary
opportunities for public performance in venues such as Yoshi's Jazz
Club in Oakland, Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco, and for Bread&Roses in
Marin. You can reach Bryan at ypimusic[at]yahoo.com, see pictures of him working
with teens at www.youngperformersintl.org, or find out more about his life
as a professional musician at www.sovoso.com.
leela
Sept 2006
Looking for a voice teacher for 15-year old girl. Pop,
rock, theater preferred. Want someone who enjoys young
people and is good with relationships, interested in
mentoring. We already know about the jazz school.
Diana
I would recommend Sunshine Becker. A highly accomplished musician in her
own right (Sunshine sings with SoVoSo, a well-known Bay Area vocal band
that is a spin-off Bobby McFerrin's Voicestra), Sunshine is warm, vibrant,
knowledgeable, and a gifted teacher. She cares deeply about her students,
understands young people, and the progress I have seen her students make
in just one year of study is positively jaw-dropping. In addition,
Sunshine will
be able to connect your daughter to a whole network of young musicians her
age, and provide opportunities to perform in prestigious Bay Area venues
including Yoshi's, San Francisco City Hall, and for Bread&Roses in Marin. Your
daughter can try out a lesson before signing up for a whole series to see if it
is a good match. You can contact Sunshine at 510.507.SONG or at
www.sovoso.com
Leela
Sept 2005
I am looking for a singing teacher for my 15 year old daughter
who is an actress and very interested in musical theater. My
daughter has an okay voice, but not a great range. She needs
someone who is okay teaching someone who is new to voice lessons,
open to teaching someone at a beginning level, and likes musical
theater. We live in Montclair, and I'd love it if it could be
someone not too far away.
Any suggestions?
Barbara
My son's piano teacher (Heather Ross: hrmusiclessons AT aol.com) also gives singing
lessons. I know that she has several young students (voice and piano) as well as
adults students, and I think that she has performed in musical theatre herself. As a
piano teacher, I find her to be quite patient, encouraging and sensitive to my sons
interests and pace of learning. She lives in Berkeley, teaches from her home but will
also teach at the student's home, too. I highly recommend her.
Good luck!
Ruth
Try Melanie O'Reilly, who teaches out of Harmony Road Music School at
Piedmont Piano Company. She is great with teens, and very strong in musical
theater. You can get referred to her by calling the Music School office at 510-
652-1222.
Kathy
You might try Erika Lee-Uribe Phone: 530-0842... she has taught
our daughter piano for 7 years but also teaches voice. She is a
skilled teacher and musician with her degree in teaching music.
She is young and enthusiastic and wants all the kids to enjoy
the music in their own way. Located in the Mormon Temple Area
which is close to Montclair. Tell her JM Drew referred you.
My fourteen-year-old daughter has been really inspired by her
voice lessons with Scarlett Hepworth, who is fairly new to the
Bay Area. Scarlett has taught her a great deal in a short
time, and yet kept the joy in singing. Her contact information
is below.
Phone: 510-601-1015
Email: scajomar[AT]earthlink.net
conveniently located near Piedmont Avenue
Siobhan
Feb 2005
Hi,
I'm looking for voice coaching for my daughter, who loves drama.
She's very good with gestures, dancing, and facial expression,
but could use and says that she would like some work with her
voice - singing, projecting, diction. We're open to group and
private lessons - the main thing is that the teacher be both
skilled and fun.
Thanks.
I bet Judy Whiting would be a good match for your daughter.
She's run the ''Broadway Babies'' program at CCCT for years.
She's sung on Broadway, I think. She teaches private lessons.
Her number is 787-2504.
Mother of a drama queen
I highly recommend Regina Pontillo for anyone with a dramatic
bent seeking voice lessons. My 11-year-old daughter has been
doing voice lessons with her--they've been working together for
3 years now--and they work on dramatic aspects as well. Regina
is fun, experienced, and multi-talented. She has a beautiful
voice, is good at helping kids develop their own voice, and
she's great at dramatic and performance arts.
Her number is 486-0681.
Sara
joey blake, co-founder of oakland's premier a cappella group
SoVoSo (from the soul to the voice to the song) and member of
bobby mcferrin's voicestra, meets with a few talented 12 year
old girls on thursdays at his oakland studio. it is by audition
and kids come from as far away as novato to be part of this
experience, as joey is a gifted teacher. students who are in
this class have performed with the YPI KIDS in golden gate
park, yerba buena gardens and slim's in san francisco; for
bread & roses in marin; and at yoshi's in oakland. for audition
information, please call 415 420 2960, or email
ypi2000[at]earthlink.net. for information about upcoming YPI KIDS
performances or the ypi summer music camp, please go to
www.youngperformersintl.org
Leela
Mar 2004
Seeking recommendations for a good beginning voice teacher for my
daughter, a High School student. We are looking first for an
enthusiastic teacher who can teach singing and secondly someone
versed in a-capella technique and repertoire, and could possibly
instruct a girls a-capella group. Kensington/Berkeley area
preferable.
My 13-yr-old daughter recently began voice lessons at the
Berkeley Rep Theatre School. Her teacher is Joanne Seelig,
who she absolutely loves. Joanne's speciality is musical
theatre, but she offered to other types of music if that is what
we wanted. She can be contacted at:
''Joanne M. Seelig'' jseelig AT berkeleyrep.org
Marcia
I would like to highly, highly recommend a fabulous piano and
voice teacher, Ellen Hoffman.
Amongst many things, Ellen is director of the Berkeley Broadway
Singers choral group, arranges music, composes, directs various
other musical groups and teaches privately.
She is a brilliant, talented musician, an absolutely fabulous,
fun and patient teacher and an wonderfully kind and great person
to boot.
Ellen happens to have some openings right now for new students
in either piano or voice, or both, younger or older, beginning
or more advanced. I can't more highly recommend her. Her e-mail
is ellenhoff AT aol.com,
her phone number is 524-6220.
June
Laura Kakis Serper directs a small high school girls a capella
group called Kalones (Greek for ''Beauties''), as part of the
Kairos Youth Choir. She is a wonderful teacher. Call 486-8776.
Natasha
March 2003
I'm looking for a recommendation for a voice teacher in San
Francisco. I am an adult who sang quite a bit as a child but I
haven't sung anywhere but the car or the shower for the last
thirty years. I'm hoping to find someone who can help me
improve and master my voice so I can sing for fun with my son.
I've checked the website and all the recommended teachers are in
the East Bay which doesn't work for me.
Thanks!
Whitney
Good for you! Studying voice was probably the most fun, most
meaningful, most memorable thing I've done with my spare time.
And the joy of it was mostly in working with Paul Brian, who is a
choir director, professional soloist, and musician. Paul is
great at figuring out what level you're at and what inspires you,
and working from there. He's used to working with people at all
levels of talent and experience, and he's very relaxed and
approachable. You can reach him at his phone number at St Luke's
in San Francisco where he directs the music program. 415 673
9971. Good luck!
Deirdre
February 2003
I sing to my children all the time. I sing very badly. I'm told
I'm usually off-key, but I usually can't tell. I don't
want to be such a bad role model. Is there a voice teacher who
could help me? (I've looked at the web site, but the
recommendations seem to be for musically proficient children, as
opposed to musically impaired adults.)
Karen
My sister Eliza O'Malley teaches voice privately in El Cerrito
and in Berkeley at the Chamber Arts House. She has a Master of
Music degree in Voice Performance and has performed all over the
Bay Area and elsewhere. She recently performed the role of St.
Settlement in Virgil Thomson's Four Saints in Three Acts with
the Oakland Opera and will perform Micaela in Carmen with
Capitol Opera Sacramento and Nora in Vaughn Williams' Riders to
the Sea at Holy Names College next spring. A recommendation from
one of her students (Becky Gambatese): ''I highly recommend
Eliza as a voice instructor. She is one of the best I've been
to. Over the past year, she has helped me tremendously both
technically and as a performer. She is patient and encouraging,
yet challenging and shares many fresh ideas from her own singing
experience. I have in the past, and would continue to recommend
her.'' You can contact Eliza at: 510-235-4471, or by email at:
ELIZAOMALLEY (at) prodigy.net
Sara O'Malley
Marcelle Dronkers is an accomplished, local vocalist, who both
performs, teaches and conducts in classical venues. She is
available at 526-5425. She is willing to take on students who
consider themselves musically ''challenged.''
March 2002
Hi,
Can anyone recommend a good teacher of voice and guitar (singing and playing)
for an adult and an 11 year old beginner?
Thanks
I don't know how close you may be to Pleasant Hill, but my sister who lives there (Erika Vergeer-More) teaches
voice lessons and her husband (Chuck More) teaches guitar lessons. They are both very experienced, play/sing
a wide variety of musical styles, and work well with young people. I know they are both very upbeat, encouraging
teachers. They teach on the weekend as well as during the week. If you are interested, you can contact them at
evmore AT attbi DOT com
--Gwen
More recommendations
Dec 2000
I heartily recommend Mary Triest. She teaches voice and piano, adults and
kids, male and female. She has a warm manner and kids love her. She has
taught me, my daughter, and I have recommended her to lots of friends. She
is in Oakland off Lakeshore and her number is 836-0295. Feel free to tell
her I gave you her name.
Dawn
I haven't taken lessons, but I know a woman in North Berkeley who sings
professionally and gives voice lessons. She has an 8 yr. old and seems like
she'd be great with kids. Her name is Cary Sheldon and her number is 843-9687.
Stefanie
August 2000
For the girl that wants to sing: We love my daughter's singing teacher,
Marcelle Dronkers. She teaches kids of all ages. She is a wonderful
positive force in my daughter's life. She really makes music fun.
Jenifer
If your daughter likes to sing, consider having her audition for the SF
Girl's chorus, which is a world renowned organization. The chorus has 4
levels in the chorus school and 2 advanced levels. They perform all over
the Bay Area in local events, including Willie Brown happenings, and have
appeared in some movies. Chorissima, one of the advanced levels, travels
to other countries, Japan, Europe. There are auditions in Fall and Spring.
Call the chorus to find out when the next audition will be - 415-673-1511.
One of the best things about chorus is that it keeps your daughter busy and
safe, which is great for teens.
Toby
Music lessons: I have two sons in the Berkeley School system (one just
graduated). I see postings frequently asking for referrals about music
instruction. Though it is self promotion, one of the teachers I would
recommend is...myself. (smile)
I have taught in Berkeley for 25 years, trained in piano, voice and wind
instruments, and have worked with students from age 5 through adult. I
currently have piano students, a voice student and a clarinet student
and teach from my home which is on Milvia street close to the Arts
Magnet and BHS. I emphasize an integrated approach to music which
includes theory and ensemble experience in many different styles. You
can see my online music resume (read to bottom of page for teaching
credentials) at: http://www.creativefilms.com/Resume.index/music.html.
I've recommended Suzy Yu's music studio before, and I'll do so again in
response to Rona Renner's query. Suzy teaches classical voice and piano, is
both rigorous and nurturing, and has done wonders for the musical talents of
our eleven-year old. She's in Berkeley and her number is 558-1310.
Julia
I like Lisa Houston. She is near Star Grocery in Berkeley. 428-2238 (8/00)
My daughter has just graduated from the Kairos Youth Choir, founded
and directed by Laura Kakis, and I recommend it highly. It meets two
afternoons a week, now at Hillside School (Berkeley Montessori), from
4-6, and offers astonishing opportunities and wonderful training in
classical and international music as well as original compositions.
Kids are 8 to 15 (boys with unchanged voices only), with a new high
school girls ensemble forming this fall. Some of the staff also give
private lessons. I would be glad to talk to any parents with
questions about Kairos.
Sally
Ellen Hoffman, pianist and host of Singers' Open Mike at Anna's Restaurant,
teaches vocal jazz lessons. She also is the music director for Berkeley
Broadway Singers. She is a joy to work with and lots of fun. Her phone
number is 524-6220.
Lisa
November 1999
Hi, My daughter wants to take voice lessons very badly. Can anyone
recommend someone? She is 16, sings pretty well already. This is going
to be one of her Christmas presents.
Thanks.
Regarding voice lessons, try calling the SF Girl's Chorus at 415-673-1511.
I'm sure they can recommend some good voice teachers.
In my opinion, the very best person for teaching children and grown-ups voice
and music theory is Marcelle Dronkers at 526-5425. She is a fabulous opera
singer and talented, enthusiastic teacher. She has taught my very active 5
year son 1 hour a week for over one year and he loves her dearly. She teaches
from her home in Kensington
I took voice lessons from Madi Bacon in Berkeley, 848-5354. I haven't seen
her for years, and she was rather advanced in years when I knew her, so I
don't know if she's still teaching. If not, she may be able to recommend
someone. She's a real pro, and a bit of a character, and a wonderful
teacher.
linda
Larry Marietta, the Music Director at the First Congregational Church of
Berkeley, is an extraordinary voice teacher for teenagers and adults.
You can reach him at the church, 848-3696.
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