I am committed to helping singers build healthy vocal skills through a wide variety of exercises and repertoire. Goals for my singers include helping them explore their complete vocal range and color; hone musicianship skills; make connections between the voice and their entire being; and become confident performers.
I have 18 years of experience teaching children and adults in jazz, rock and pop music. I am supportive and patient, helping students to find their own voice and teaching them how to master their instrument with passion. I have written,recorded, arranged and produced my own songs and just finished my third CD " For The Time Being". I teach from my studio in Berkeley which is equipped with proper amplification, up to date recording technology and computer programs. I emphasize the joy of singing and support my students in their choice of music.
Margaret Secour is a classically trained opera singer. She studied in the Opera Program at California State University, Long Beach. As a singer, she has performed with San Francisco Opera Chorus, San Francisco Symphony Chorus, San Francisco Lyric Opera, Lamplighters, and Oakland Civic Theatre; toured nationally with Pasadena-based Opera a la Carte, a Gilbert and Sullivan company; and appeared internationally with Master Chorale of Orange County. Ms.
Ms. Howitt seeks to provide the highest quality vocal training possible to her students. Using appropriate materials and adjusting her teaching style accordingly, Ms. Howitt works with students of diverse ages and backgrounds to find greater vocal freedom and technique. Ms. Howitt strives to create an atmosphere in which students feel safe to explore their creativity and express themselves fully.
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Highlights from my broad range of appearances in opera, recital and concert include most of Mozart’s heroines, Handel's evil sorceresses, and Verdi's Lady Macbeth with Donald Pippin's Pocket Opera; Four Last Songs of Strauss with LiederAlive; and Britten’s War Requiem in San Francisco’s Davies Hall.
I have the great pleasure of teaching a wide variety of students including active professionals, local singing teachers, young artists auditioning for major music schools, training programs and festivals, beginners and dedicated amateurs. My students have achieved the highest honors of the performing arts, are performing with major opera companies, Broadway Theaters and National Tours and include Tony Award Winners, Major Motion Picture Stars, International Pop Artists and Cabaret Singers. I teach in a large, fully equipped studio centrally located in San Francisco.
Little Opera is a comprehensive nine-month after-school program that challenges the assumption that opera is not for everyone. We bring together elementary aged students in grades 1-6 and professional Bay Area artists to create, rehearse, and perform an original opera.
Chapel College Scholars are boys 14-17 who have an established foundation of music theory and vocal. Students receive intensive, personalized vocal instruction with an emphasis on individual responsibility
Choristers are a small group of boys age 8 to 13 selected by audition. Choristers receive intensive, personalized vocal instruction with an emphasis on individual responsibility, leadership, camaraderie, and the joy of making music.
For boys interested in singing with our group who may not be ready for the Choristers program, we offer a preparatory class focused on ensemble singing and fundamentals of musicianship, vocal technique, and theory.