Pedagogy
Voice Lessons
Susan brings the spirit of improvisation and ease into her teaching studio. Working within a holistic framework, Susan gives students more access to their unique strengths as a singer across multiple genres of song. Whether you are an opera singer, singer-songwriter, broadway enthusiast, or a true beginner Susan will work to find the repertoire and exercises to unlock your vocal potential. Susan brings years of working with kids, teens, and adults through her home vocal studio, The Musical Offering, and The Latin School of Chicago.
1-on-1 Acting for Opera Singers
Susan's training in improvisation, acting and opera performance makes her uniquely suited to coach young and established opera singers. If you are seeking more connection to yourself as an artist and more tools to access a vital relationship with text, Susan offers one on one coachings in her home or via zoom. Susan currently serves as the acting coach within the joint Chicago Opera Theater and Chicago College of the Performing Arts Young Artist Program. She has also worked as a director and coach within the RISE program at Crested Butte, The Up North Vocal Institute and The Santa Fe Young Artist Program.
Guest Masterclass Series
Susan will spend several days within your University Vocal Program or Young Artist Program to introduce your singers to how the tools of improvisation and theater games can unlock a deeper relationship to text and more freedom within performing. Using a combination of 1-1 coaching and group acting and masterclasses Susan will allow singers to feel the joy of ensemble process, leaving your program and your singers with new tools to connect to themselves as artists and to their cohort as a community.
Six-Week Workshop for Opera and Professional Singers
In this six-week workshop, a cohort of ten singers will gather (in person in Seattle or via Zoom for out-of-town singers) to workshop arias and songs with an eye towards improvisation, freedom, and a deep emotional connection to their material. In a supportive ensemble, singers will use new tools to take risks and expand their physical and emotional performance skills. The class will culminate in an evening performance of solo vocal work and improvisatory acting work for invited guests.