How to Choose a Good Opera Teacher

When I was a child growing up in San Antonio, Texas, I remember one day running around barefoot in the backyard playing with my younger brother Nathan, but then stopping to listen to an odd sound. It was a singer singing really loud and beautifully. I pretended in that moment to sing like her and I would later learn this singer was Maria Callas (my Dad's favorite opera singer) who he had playing on a vinyl in the house.

My younger brother Nathan & I

I loved opera from at least since that moment, but according to my Mom it was since I was in the womb kicking her insistently as she would sing "Che Faro Senza Euridice" making up the words as she would go along. I have so many crazy stories to tell you, but let me layout this disclaimer: YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE "BORN WITH TALENT" TO SING OPERA!

Even though I have loved opera all my life, it didn't mean I was born with a gift. I worked hard, I left Texas to pursue an operatic career in New York City and I learned from the best teachers. Even in my pursuit of learning to sing, I never thought that I would be an opera teacher! Here is my two cents:

1) In my seven years of teaching, I have never once had to tell a student they couldn't learn to sing or that they were a hopeless case because it simply wasn't true.

2) I have seen my students grow into fine singers in opera and other genres. You can see a video with my student Everette here if you don't believe me:

Here is what you need to know about starting your opera journey:

#1 Get a GOOD Teacher

#2 Be willing to let sounds come out that would otherwise horrify you

#3 Love the process along the way

#1 is the hardest out of the three because how do you find a good teacher let's say in a small town or even a city like The Colony, TX where I am located? Well, get an initial lesson with a few teachers in your area to compare and here is a criteria to follow:

1) Did they ask me questions about my goals?

2) Did they write a lesson plan for me to follow?

3) Did they seem genuinely interested in helping me succeed?

4) Did they tell me what my range was (lowest and highest notes)?

5) Did they give me a step-by-step on how to practice?

6) Did they have a way to keep me accountable i.e. send practice videos, keep a lesson log, etc.?

You get the picture here. I advise you to be picky and take your time finding a good teacher because otherwise you could fall into the pitfalls that other singers have fallen into unintentionally. Also, be willing to drive or commute if need be...it will be well worth your while if that teacher is the best in your area.

I want you to know that IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO START SINGING. My oldest students are a couple in their 80's who are happy to sing together and enjoy making music. Please feel free to share me your story or shoot me questions at musiclessonsplano@gmail.com.

Arrivaderci!

~Natasha