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"Many of my students start with me when they are as young as three or four. This young start enables music and musicality to become a part of them. I start young children who cannot read with simple international folk songs (learned by ear), move to more difficult folk songs (learned by reading and ear), and then to songs in the musical theatre or opera genres, depending on their preference.
Teens start with music within their chosen genre and progress to more difficult music; they learn to read music, while also working on their ear training and musicality. Regardless of age, other instrumental training is a plus!" -- Maura O'Halloran
Teens start with music within their chosen genre and progress to more difficult music; they learn to read music, while also working on their ear training and musicality. Regardless of age, other instrumental training is a plus!" -- Maura O'Halloran
~ABOUT MAURA~
Maura O’Halloran teaches "athletic voice" to children, teens and young adults. Maura teaches a core-strengthening vocal technique as well as musicality. During lessons, she adapts her methods to fit each student’s individual needs. Her goal is to strengthen and fortify each student’s voice, as well as increase and improve their self-perception and self-confidence. Maura treats the whole instrument and, thus, the whole person.
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Training
Maura has been teaching for over ten years. She studied teaching with renowned Vocal Pedagogue and Suzuki Voice Founder, Päivi Kukkamäki (in photo far right), in Vantaa, Finland. She studied the art of singing at DePaul University School of Music with Norman Gulbrandsen. She studied vocal artistry, interpretation, and diction with coaches Kit Bridges and Linda Hirt in Chicago. |
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Maura has a B.A. in Philosophy and Music from St. John’s College. She is currently obtaining a Masters in Vocal Pedagogy at The Voice Centre. She is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), the American and European Suzuki Associations (SAA and ESA), and the Schubert Club of Fairfield County.
Current Research
Maura is currently pursuing a M.A. in Vocal Pedagogy at the Voice Centre in the U.K. under the tutelage and mentorship of its founder, Debbie Winter (University of Wales TSD). Maura's research delves into healing the brain through the act of singing; how the mere act of vocalizing touches a part of the brain that cannot otherwise be reached and repaired. She hopes to use this research to help traumatized children. Maura hopes to complete and publish her research on these topics soon!
Teaching Technique and Literature
Maura utilizes proprietary Suzuki Voice books for her younger students (ages 3-8), teaching them to sing simple folk songs in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Finnish among other languages. She stresses that this is not as difficult as it seems! Children are terrific mimics and can pick up any language quickly by imitating the sounds. They enjoy singing songs from other cultures and feel proud of their accomplishments and their parents' admiration of their abilities.
Maura has an expansive library of vocal literature and starts older children (ages 8-12) with classic American folk songs (“25 Folksong Solos for Children”), interweaving musical theatre songs (“Kids' Musical Theatre Collection,” Volumes 1 and 2) and classical repertoire as each student grows in interest and ability. Maura teaches solid vocal technique so that each student is able to sing correctly and easily in either musical theatre or classical styles (i.e. belting correctly, controlling natural vibrato, etc.). Maura helps middle and upper school students with their preparation for Western Regionals which challenges them to sing in languages they have not encountered in their daily life.
Performance and Observation
Maura keeps up-to-date with new shows on Broadway and the Met Opera House so that she can better assist her students. She encourages her students to go see live performances, observe the performers and ask themselves: who has ease and flexibility? who is struggling and can only sing in one style? whose sound do I like the best and why? Maura also keeps track of the contest and audition opportunities through her organizational connections, as well as university programs and summer opportunities.
The Schubert Club of Fairfield County is a terrific resource for teachers and young singers. Every year Maura's students participate in the Young Musician's Festival which enables young singers to sing in front of a kind, supporting audience of fellow students and two judges. The students' performances are critiqued and they receive points towards a golden cup. This valuable performance opportunity teaches students how to perform -- and introduces them to other singers from other towns.
Success as a Teacher
Maura has performed as a soloist in Europe and the US, but her passion is to pass down her vocal knowledge and technique to her students. Watching her students shine and succeed is her true joy. Maura has assisted singers in preparing for auditions local roles (Wilton Children’s Theater (WTC), Wilton Playshop, Crystal Theatre, etc.), as well as for Broadway, Conservatories, Universities and beyond. She adapts to the ambition of each student and encourages them to be the best version of their unique selves. Maura strives to teach each student how to release their full voices and, in doing, hopes to prepare that student for more than just the stage, but for the challenges of life.
Maura is currently pursuing a M.A. in Vocal Pedagogy at the Voice Centre in the U.K. under the tutelage and mentorship of its founder, Debbie Winter (University of Wales TSD). Maura's research delves into healing the brain through the act of singing; how the mere act of vocalizing touches a part of the brain that cannot otherwise be reached and repaired. She hopes to use this research to help traumatized children. Maura hopes to complete and publish her research on these topics soon!
Teaching Technique and Literature
Maura utilizes proprietary Suzuki Voice books for her younger students (ages 3-8), teaching them to sing simple folk songs in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Finnish among other languages. She stresses that this is not as difficult as it seems! Children are terrific mimics and can pick up any language quickly by imitating the sounds. They enjoy singing songs from other cultures and feel proud of their accomplishments and their parents' admiration of their abilities.
Maura has an expansive library of vocal literature and starts older children (ages 8-12) with classic American folk songs (“25 Folksong Solos for Children”), interweaving musical theatre songs (“Kids' Musical Theatre Collection,” Volumes 1 and 2) and classical repertoire as each student grows in interest and ability. Maura teaches solid vocal technique so that each student is able to sing correctly and easily in either musical theatre or classical styles (i.e. belting correctly, controlling natural vibrato, etc.). Maura helps middle and upper school students with their preparation for Western Regionals which challenges them to sing in languages they have not encountered in their daily life.
Performance and Observation
Maura keeps up-to-date with new shows on Broadway and the Met Opera House so that she can better assist her students. She encourages her students to go see live performances, observe the performers and ask themselves: who has ease and flexibility? who is struggling and can only sing in one style? whose sound do I like the best and why? Maura also keeps track of the contest and audition opportunities through her organizational connections, as well as university programs and summer opportunities.
The Schubert Club of Fairfield County is a terrific resource for teachers and young singers. Every year Maura's students participate in the Young Musician's Festival which enables young singers to sing in front of a kind, supporting audience of fellow students and two judges. The students' performances are critiqued and they receive points towards a golden cup. This valuable performance opportunity teaches students how to perform -- and introduces them to other singers from other towns.
Success as a Teacher
Maura has performed as a soloist in Europe and the US, but her passion is to pass down her vocal knowledge and technique to her students. Watching her students shine and succeed is her true joy. Maura has assisted singers in preparing for auditions local roles (Wilton Children’s Theater (WTC), Wilton Playshop, Crystal Theatre, etc.), as well as for Broadway, Conservatories, Universities and beyond. She adapts to the ambition of each student and encourages them to be the best version of their unique selves. Maura strives to teach each student how to release their full voices and, in doing, hopes to prepare that student for more than just the stage, but for the challenges of life.