Valerie Coates
Quality Instruction at Affordable Rates

Contact Info:
vjc4@columbia.edu
212-749-4280
http://www.freewebs.com/vcoates

Styles Taught
Classical/Opera

Biography

Teaching Experience

I have taught students of all ages for twenty years. In addition to my home studio, I have taught private and class voice at the Brooklyn College Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts, the Music Conservatory of Westchester, Greenwich House Music School and the Bronx House Music School.

Performing Credentials

• Solo oratorio appearances in New York with the West Village Chorale, Middletown City Chorale; and in New Jersey with VOICES Chorale, the Choral Art Society, Monmouth Civic Chorus and Masterwork Chorus. 
• Recitals at St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London; the National Landmarks Concert Series in New York City, and the New York Public Library concert series at Lincoln Center and Donnell libraries. 
• Stage Performances at LaMaMa ETC and liturgical drama with the Ensemble for Early Music. 
• Professional Choral performances since 1991 with the New York Choral Artists (NY Philharmonic) and the Concert Chorale of New York (American Symphony Orchestra).

• Manhattan School of Music, M.M. in Voice Performance
• New England Conservatory of Music, B.M. in Early Music Performance
• Columbia University, M.A. in Medieval Studies 
• Breathing Coordination with Carl Stough 
• Coaching in Art Song repertoire with Dalton Baldwin.

• Effective Exercises. The instruction I give is clear and precise, without resorting to confusing imagery. Students are encouraged to ask for clarification and to provide feedback as part of the learning process, with the goal of cultivating awareness. I do not subscribe to a particular method, but use exercises from various disciplines to assist the student in developing a consistently reliable way of singing and maximizing his or her potential.
   
• Repertoire generally includes Classical Art Song literature in English, Italian, German and French; Oratorio; traditional folksong arrangements; and “legit” Musical Theatre. I do not teach any form of “belt,” and do not work on contemporary Musical Theatre, Gospel or pop styles, since I do not sing those styles myself. Students are welcome to bring repertoire of their own choosing, if appropriate for their level of development.
   
• Expression and Interpreta tion. Emphasis is on applying technique to repertoire rather than on superimposing dramatic expression on poor singing habits. I believe that once the voice is balanced and unencumbered by inefficient compensatory habits, the individual is freed from physical inhibitions, and a greater range of expression is possible.
    
• Beginners welcome. If you have never sung before and do not know what style of music you want to sing, I can help you figure out where your voice and personality will be most “at home.” Lessons can also include music readi! ng and sight-singing skills, if desired.

• Lesson rates: $60.00 for one hour, $50.00 for 45 min. payable when lesson is taken.
• Prospective students cannot be allergic to cats. I have two
• Also available for on-site group classes. Inquire about rates.
• No inquiries about hip-hop, R&B, or other pop styles, please!