Voice Lessons
I love seeing students discover their true voice and carve out their special place in the world. Together, we explore music ranging from Strozzi, Donizetti, and Heggie to Sondheim and Ricky Ian Gordon. My goal is to help students assemble a full “toolbox” to discover who they are by looking through the eyes of each composer.
I partner with students to set achievable goals and choose repertoire they love. In lessons we focus on expressivity, ease, and efficient vocal production, building the skills for lifelong healthy singing. My students have been accepted to Aspen, Utah Festival Opera, and SongFest, as well as graduate programs at Indiana University and the University of Illinois.
For more than twenty years, I’ve taught voice to college and pre-college students as well as avocational singers ages 25 to 62. Across the board, my students have all approached music with an open-hearted energy and curiosity.
As a stage director, my productions have won three national awards through National Opera Association. It was a thrill to guide students to become power performers on stage.
My singing has taken me from Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall to botanical gardens in Kentucky. My two solo CDs, released by Centaur and Naxos, were compilations of my two loves: lute song and a world premiere of a song cycle composed for me.
Classical Singer National Finals
Birmingham Music Clubs
Alabama NATS
Best of Young Birmingham
UAB Honors Recitals
Alabama NATS
Go to summer programs…
SongFest
Utah Festival Opera
Harrower Opera Summer Workshop
Frost School of Music at Salzburg
Lake Januluska Singers
Opera North
Accepted to grad schools…
University of Illinois
Florida State University
University of Maryland
University of Tennessee-Knoxville
University of Colorado at Boulder
University of N.C. at Greensboro
And have gone on to…
The MET Laffont competition, Encouragement Award
Broadway tour: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder
Speech-Language Pathologist, Singing Voice Rehab Specialist
Opera Omaha, Holland Community Opera Fellowship
Illinois Wesleyan University, lecturer in musical theatre voice
Dollywood Entertainment Performer
K-12 music teachers in Texas, Alabama, and Tennessee
Boston Lyric Opera, Casting Consultant
What Students Have Said
Dr. Kris is a caring, thoughtful leader, and she has been a pivotal part of my musical journey. I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Kris for four years in Voice and Opera. With her, I learned about my voice, mindfulness, and overcoming my performance anxiety, and I still use those practices today. I am truly thankful that I had the opportunity to work with her.
At times when I felt helpless, Dr. Kris saw in me what I couldn’t see, and her vision transformed me as a vocalist and a performer. Throughout my career, I have continued to reflect on and reach for the tools she has given me. As her student, Dr. Kris reshaped my perspective and taught me to believe in myself and to trust what I have to say as an artist. That is the greatest gift a teacher can offer to a student, and for that, I will always be grateful. Dr. Kris gave me my start. She was my first believer and is still my constant supporter.
Dr. Hurst-Wajszczuk is a dedicated teacher and mentor whose guidance has been invaluable to me as an emerging artist and helped lay the foundation for my career. She fostered an environment that was both acutely challenging and fiercely supportive, pushing me to grow technically and artistically while instilling in me the confidence needed for success. She helped me earn a fellowship to graduate school, and has continued to be a valued advisor and mentor long after my graduation. Her continued pursuit of her own artistic endeavors and research interests provided me with a model for a career as a singer and voice teacher.
Rates
One hour: $75
Half-hour: $40
20-minute consultation: $30
Pianist available upon request