Monday, August 7, 2017 by Holly Boaz | News

Hello everyone!  I hope you've all been enjoying the beautiful summer weather.  

As we go through August, I am forming plans for lessons and other offerings this Fall.  I will have a few open slots for new voice students as I had some students graduate this spring and depart for new college adventures.  (Congratulations, Hugh, Grace, Ellie, and Alexandra!)  

As some of you already know, Vashon Island Music has closed its doors, so I will no longer be teaching in Vashon town.  All lessons for this year will be held either in my home studio in Burton or at my Tacoma studio at Pacific Lutheran University.  I will make my schedule for regular weekly private lessons beginning in September.  Regular lesson times will likely be finalized during the second or third week of the month as families' schedules settle and my teaching load at PLU becomes clear.  Feel free to email me once you know when you or your child will be available in the Fall.  I will make a note of all requests.

Student News and Congratulations!

Congratulations to Amy Cole, who performed a solo set at Strawberry Festival this year!  Way to go, Amy!

Congratulations to Alexandra Dreher, who not only graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree from PLU this year (after a lovely senior recital), but won a Fulbright Fellowship to live and work in Köln, Germany! Viel Glück, Alexandra!

Congratulations to Hugh Davis, who won SECOND PLACE in July at the National Association of Teachers of Singing Student Auditions.  Hugh won his divisions in the Chapter level, then in the Regional level via video, and went on to compete at the national level in Boulder, Colorado.  We're so proud of your achievements, Hugh!  

New this Fall:  

Voice Class for Teens!  

I will teach two separate 8-week sessions for teen singers: one for those in high school and one for those in middle school.  These will be structured classes that will include vocal technique, ear training and sight singing, performance coaching, and of course, lots of work on solo songs in our group setting.  We will cover styles from pop to Broadway to folk to opera, and we will even do some group singing and harmonizing!  There will be a performance opportunity at the end of the 8-week session, and I am also working on a very cool field trip!  While students won't get the same amount of one-on-one time with me as they would in private lessons, this could be a good option for families who have budget concerns, and it is a GREAT way to supplement private lessons.

Please send me a quick email if you or your child is interested in these classes, and I will create an email list for future information.

NATS STUDENT AUDITIONS

I will be encouraging all eligible students to take advantage of this excellent opportunity!  I am a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, active in the Tahoma Chapter.  Our yearly student auditions  are an opportunity for young singers to perform in front of a series of adjudicators (all professionals in the field) and possibly an audience as well, to get constructive feedback and hear their peers.  Winners of each category get to go on and compete in the regional level via video recording.  This past year, one of my students (Vashon's own Hugh Davis!) went all the way to win SECOND PLACE in the NATIONAL FINALS of his category.  He won money, exposure, and a GREAT achievement to put on his resume as he heads off to college to study music professionally.  Students are eligible to participate starting at age 14.

Yoga for Singers

I will be teaching another 8-week yoga class this fall, beginning in October.  Stay tuned for details!

NEW WEBSITE!

Be sure to check out my new website, and read the updated cancellation policy.  All students (even returning students!) will be required to read and sign a Lessons Contract and Registration Form.  My cancellation policy will be much more strictly enforced this year.  Please plan accordingly!

I'm looking forward to reconnecting and settling into a music-filled Fall semester.  See you soon!