Background, professional training and performance history
I am an Oregon native, and got my early musical training at the University of Oregon here in Eugene. My operatic debut was as Queen of the Night in the Eugene Opera production of Mozart’s Magic Flute, in the then brand new Hult Center. Following that, I sang and taught extensively throughout the Pacific Northwest. In 1988, I moved to Vienna Austria to study at the renowned Vienna Academy. After finishing my studies there, I made Vienna my home and headquarters. I have just recently moved back to Eugene after almost 30 years living and working in Europe.
While in Europe, I was a professional opera singer, and performed worldwide, especially in Europe and the U.S. Later I was a voice teacher, choir director, director of a concert series, and, for the last ten years, Artistic Director of the Performing Academy in Vienna, one of the German-speaking world’s leading conservatories focused on preparing university-age students for a career in musical theater, operetta and jazz. At the Performing Academy, we placed more than 85% of our graduates in professional-level productions throughout Europe. In addition to my administrative duties and voice studio, I was also musical director for the many musical productions given by the Academy every year. Many of these were professional productions in cooperation with Disney Europe and were European/Austrian premieres.
Over the years I have learned many diverse genres and styles and their associated techniques. I am experienced in teaching the classical repertoire as well as all musical theater and popular styles. I have a DMA in Vocal Performance and a MMus in Choral Conducting. I am a Native American, member of The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.
Artist statement and teaching philosophy
Instruments & classes taught
I am versed and comfortable teaching singers of all levels, beginners to advanced, and all types of women’s and men’s voices of all ages. At the Performing Academy I often had to teach students that were accepted on the basis of their dancing and acting skills, but had very little singing experience. I am proud to have brought many beginning students to a professional level during the three-year program we had.
Although my singing career was largely classical (opera and art song) I have specialized in teaching musical theater styles and techniques for the last 18 years as well. Among these are “classic” musical theater (e.g., Rogers and Hammerstein), modern ballad style, belt, rock and blues. Additionally, I am experienced in teaching gospel, jazz and pop.
I also have an extensive background teaching the classical repertoire, including Italian, German, French and English opera, oratorio and art song. I teach singers diction in English, German, Italian and French (and I’m learning Spanish).
I am proficient on piano and accompany my students during their lessons.