Carla H. TakeLessons Instructor Voice, Music Theory, Music Performance, Acting, Speech 19th Ave NW, Seattle, WA

I realize that voice lessons can be REALLY scary and I totally understand why, especially for kids and beginners!  I do my best to use modern psycology and technology to help my beginning students feel confortable in what can be a frightening new endeavor. 

Not all students learn the same way and for years voice teachers have been treating every student as an aural learner.  What I have found is that students with a history of struggling with matching pitch simply need to be taught in a different manner.  That is why I now ask students to take a voluntary learning style inventory prior to their first lesson. 

Visual Learner?  Not a problem when "Adam" started with me he could only match pitch 30% of the time.  But after finding that he needed to see concepts in order to learn them I have now made all of his lesson visually based and he is now averaging 90% pitch accuracy 3 months later.

Kinisthetic Learner?  I had the hardest time helping "Clark" learn new music until we realized that by taking the time to have him play his parts himself on the piano he could learn them in minutes.  He just is a person that learns by doing and now that we know that, music has become so much less frusterating for him.

Physical Learner?  With "Steve" the traditional 'visualization' style of teaching that most voice teachers start with just wasn't helping him improve his sound and reach the high notes we both knew he had.  After we figured out that he needed large muscle movements to understand concepts I added the use of a resistance band to his lessons.  He has had so much success with this technique that he 'stole' my resistance band so he could use it in recording sessions and before he got on stage.

The stories just go on and on.

With my recent acceptance into the NATS (National Organization for Teachers of Singing) I am now able to access the current research and technology that is helping teachers across the country.

I have taught private voice for over 5 years with students ranging in ages from 6-75 and have had most of my succcess as a teacher with kids ages 6-18 teaching them basic musicianship, theory, ear training, voice, music history and how to enjoy singing more. During my time teaching I have also been asked to serve as a guest teacher with Eastern Oregon University and will soon be doing the same at several Washington State Universities .

Additionally, I have been hired by 3 nationally recognized youth classical music outreach programs to travel into local schools, introducing kids to classical music and teaching them the basics of opera.  This work has sent me to schools throughout Illinois, Indiana, Oregon, California and Washington.

As a teacher I provide the supportive and safe enviornment that beginners, kids and teens need in order to build their confidence, learn about music, find their voice and HAVE FUN!

As a classical performer, I have had the privilege of working with many of the fine opera companies and symphonies in the Pacific Northwest region and beyond.  Some of my favorites include Lyric Opera NW, Bellevue Opera, Skagit Opera, NOISE, Seattle Gilbert and Sullivan Society, Willamette Concert Opera, Tacoma Opera, Orchestra Seattle / Seattle Chamber Singers, Portland Opera (YAP) and the Seattle Youth Symphony.

Equally comfortable on opera, operetta and symphony stages I have performed the roles of 3rd Lady (Magic Flute), Afra (La Wally), Suzuki (Madama Butterfly), Ruth (Pirates of Penzance), Kate (Pirates of Penzance) Hansel (Hansel and Gretel), the Marquise de Berkenfield (Daughter of the Regiment) and Venus (Orpheus and the Underworld, for which the Tacoma New Tribune said of my voice and performance “fully and edgy voice” also remarking that my performance, “made you realize why you go to the opera in the first place – to have fun”  Also appearing as a concert soloist I have performed Beethoven’s Mass in C Minor, Handel’s Messiah, Bach’s B Minor Mass and Prokofiev's Alexander Nevsky.

In coming months I can be seen as the Marquise de Berkenfield in Daughter of the Regiment with Northwest Opera in Schools Etc. Hansel in Whatcom Symphony's production of Hansel and Gretel, Pitty-Sing in The Mikado with Seattle Gilbert and Sullivan and as the soloist for the Thalia Symphony’s concert of Gustav Mahler’s Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen (Song for a Wayfarer)

Students help structure their lessons by providing a general overview of their goals during their first lesson.  Just as not everyone's voice sounds the same, neither does everyone's lesson!

A typical lesson begins with vocal warm-ups specifically targeted to strengthen the students technique and help them learn more about their voices capabilities.  Next students work on songs of their choosing, that help them develop the freedom of voice, control, stamina and overall vocal health that they will need to be confident in their performing.

Additional opportunities for performance are provided for students as desired.  These may include Karaoke Nights (for adult beginners), no-stress recitals, community choirs and small roles in local productions.

NEW STUDIO FEATURE!

Due to student request I will be organizing quarterly student field trips to different music events in King County.  This may be a free or low-cost concert by someone with great technique, a cool performance or just something related to voice that I think my students might like.  These are not mandantory but are just an added option to get to know other students and learn more about the voice.

Singing for Musical Theater, Classical Voice, Jazz Voice, Improvisation, Rock and Metal Vocals, Healthy Metal Growling, Beginning-Advanced Intermediate Voice, Composition, Music History, Music Appreciation

Specializing in helping young singers find their voices and learn healthy technique so as to not damage their instrument, while having a lot of fun! I also teach Spanish, Latin and Italian Diction for Singers.

I have worked with many local guitar/singer/songwriters and rock band frontmen, helping them gain the stamina and power they need while maintaining their instrument for the future.

Also, I have had extensive experience and success working with students who consider themselves 'tone challenged'

Voice, Music Theory, Music Performance, Acting, Speech

"From the start, Carla was genuinely interested in my progress as a vocalist. I sing in a rock and roll band, but Carla is classically trained and can teach students interested in any genre. I learned valuable techniques for keeping my vocal chords healthy and my high range jumped up about two steps! For speed, Carla gets a 3 because a steady pace is a good thing. Rushing it will slow overall progress in the long run. Punctuality is up to the student, but Carla is always there, so she gets a 5. Everything else is top notch on her part. She will work with you on your goals as a singer and she will make the lessons fun. I strongly recommend her teaching." -Joey (age 16)