I help students find their unique voice, sing freely and expressively by fostering healthy vocal habits, with an emphasis on artistry through foundational technique in a supportive and positive environment.
· Over two decades of teaching experience
· Focus on new music, baroque and bel canto
· Active, successful working singer
· Musical theater, pop and jazz expertise
· Exceptional artistry and musical versatility
· Passion for collaboration
· Nurturing lesson environment
TEACHING AND EDUCATION EXPERIENCE:
Voice Teacher / Rye Country Day School, Rye, NY 2022 - present
Private lessons for students of all ages, with a focus on high school students preparing for college entrance and New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA, All State).
Voice Teacher / The Hackley School Music Institute, Tarrytown, NY 2013 - 2023
Private lessons for students of all ages, with a focus on high school students preparing for college entrance and New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA, All State). Former students are voice majors and minors at Wesleyan University, Muehlenburg College, Brandeis University, Barnard College, Sarah Lawrence College, and other top-tier universities and music programs.
Private voice studio / Briarcliff Manor, NY 2004 - present
Educator / Metropolitan Opera Guild Outreach, NYC, NY
Student teacher / Oberlin Conservatory, Oberlin, OH
Founder/co-artistic director / Trill Vocal Projects, NYC, NY Organization (501C3) formed to invigorate classical vocal music by providing opportunities for independent and emerging artists to collaborate on, produce, and perform innovative and nontraditional vocal performances.
EDUCATION:
Professional Studies Certificate, Vocal Performance, Manhattan School of Music
Master of Music, Vocal Performance, Manhattan School of Music
Bachelor of Music, Vocal Performance with Honors, Oberlin Conservatory of Music
Walnut Hill School, Natick, MA
Additional Training/Young Artist Programs:
Carnegie Hall Professional Development Workshop with Thomas Quasthoff
Verbier Festival
Tanglewood Music Center Fellow
Berkshire Opera
Mobile Opera Outreach
Opera Festival di Roma
Pedagogy Seminar with Richard Miller
Grants/Awards:
Canada Council for the Arts (multiple grant recipient)
Jacqueline Desmarais Foundation Grant
Laureate, Jeunes Ambassadeurs Lyriques
2ième Prix Français Concours de Montréal
Finalist, Concert Artists Guild
Winner, Concerto Competition, Manhattan School of Music
Semi-finalist in many international competitions (Metropolitan Opera National Council, Belvedere Competition, Young Concert Artists, Oratorio Society of New York, Boulanger Competition, Montreal International Voice Competition, and others)
Please contact: ameliagwatkins@gmail.com for lesson rates and availability.