Vocal Arts Lessons At The Conservatory

Chair – Vocal Arts

Education

• Bachelor of Music, Choral Education | Lawrence University
• Master of Music, Voice Performance | University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana

Background

• WCM faculty member since 2002.
• Soprano soloist with the chamber group Great Lakes Baroque.
• Also served as principal soprano soloist with Ensemble Musical Offering, where she worked with Stanley Ritchie, Marion Verbruggen, Joshua Rifkin, and other Baroque specialists.
• Has appeared as a soloist with Present Music, Bach Chamber Choir, Racine Symphony, and Skylight Opera, where she performed in a cycle of Monteverdi operas directed by Stephen Wadsworth.
• A founding member of the a cappella group Polyhymnia, and director of contemporary music at St. Boniface Episcopal Church in Mequon.
• Taught voice at Alverno College, as well as general music at New World Montessori, 81st Street School, and in the Whitefish Bay Public Schools.

Education

• B.A. in Music- Concordia
• University Wisconsin

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

2024

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

It’s great reputation and teacher support system.

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

Performing in “Singin’ in the Rain” reignited my love for musical theatre. “What a glorious feelin’” it is to sing and dance with your friends!

Education

• B.M.- Lawrence University
• M.M- Boston Conservatory at Berklee

Background

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

Growing up in Milwaukee, I have always admired WCM and the wonderful faculty they employ, their mission to guide musicians of all ages in learning, and an overall commitment to bringing music into the community. I became even more excited about the Conservatory and its ideals after seeing the amount of recent work put into outreach and serving the greater Milwaukee area through programs like Smart Start and Connections. The conservatory is a beautiful, unique, and versatile institution that truly believes in its faculty and staff and works hard to enrich students as well as the community through the power of music!

What year did you start working at WCM?

2022

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

Despite having the privilege of performing in regional and international operas and musicals, singing oratorio repertoire with professional orchestras, and performing solo recitals, my fondest musical memory took place at an assisted living center in Marinette, Wisconsin. At many points during my vocal journey, I have struggled with performance anxiety and self doubt. During the height of this, I decided to travel up north and visit my grandma who struggled with Dementia. My grandma had a piano in her room as well as some jazz standard song books. I took out her old books and decided to sing and play through them for her. My grandma didn’t know who I was at the time, but she could sing and recite the words to every song I played. It brought both of so much joy and one of my most meaningful musical experiences.

http://marthahellermannsoprano.com

Education

• Bachelor of Music, Vocal Performance | Lawrence University
• Graduate Studies in Vocal Performance | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Background

• Served as a young artist for the Skylight, Glimmerglass Opera and Seattle Opera, where she gave a notable performance as Cherubino in Le Nozze di Figaro.
• A district winner and third place regional award winner at the Metropolitan Opera Council Auditions.
• Recently appeared as Jane in Thank you, Next, Alto Soloist in Songs from the Uproar, Historian in Clara and Alto Soloist in The Poe Requiem.
• Performed solos from Schubert’s Mass in G, Vivaldi’s Gloria, John Rutter’s Requiem, Bach’s Magnificat, Mozart’s Requiem and Mass in C, Handel’s Messiah, Haydn’s Pauken Messe, and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.
• Sang the first full US performance of Carl Jenkin’s Mass for the Armed Man at St. John’s Cathedral in Milwaukee.
• Member of the voice faculties of Carthage College and Parkside University, where she teaches both classical and music theater students of all ages and abilities.

Education

• BM Vocal Performance Degree – Lawrence University
• Vital Acting Degree – Joanne Baron/D.W. Brown Studios, Los Angeles

Background

Why did you choose WCM?

WCM has a standard of excellence and community outreach, supporting artists and musicians that resonates with my personal passions.

What year did you start working at WCM?

2023.

Describe a musical experience that had a positive impact on you:

Each teacher I have worked with, every song I have recorded, every show I have sung, every production I have been a part of, has deeply taught me about myself, honed my skill and deepened my love for life, humanity and the arts.  Whether performing with Grammy Award Winning artists or the hobbyist who is living out his dreams on stage, we each connect through our love of music and join together to bring more joy, peace, and hope to the world.  Each teacher I have had (over 13 and counting) has given me “tools in my tool box” that I use every day, at every show, with each student, and as metaphors for life!

http://Https://www.shantilleone.com

Education

• B.S. – University of Wisconsin – La Crosse
• General and Vocal Music Education

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

2024

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

WCM provided a space for me to continue teaching while I work on my Masters in Vocal Performance. I admire their commitment to making music education more accessible to all in the community.

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

My college choir director, Dr. Christopher Hathaway has been the most positive musical influence I’ve had. I always appreciated his high expectations and made my time at the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse beneficial.

Education

PhD (h.c.) | Herzing University
M.M. – University of Wisconsin | Madison
B.F.A. Music and Theatre | University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
Soloist, First Church of Christ, Scientist | Brookfield, WI

Background

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

Its reputation…and it beat the heck out of telemarketing.

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

Lenore Horsman and Kammersänger Jean Cox.

What year did you start working at WCM?

1994

Education

• B.A. – University of Wisconsin – Madison
• M.M. – Rutgers University

Background

Why did you choose WCM?

I’m excited to work with students of all kinds from all different backgrounds and levels of experience. This matches well with the mission of WCM.

What year did you start working at WCM?

2023.

Describe a musical experience that had a positive impact on you:

My undergraduate voice professor was always encouraging and calm. He looked for the best and worked with my strengths, and encouraged me to continue my studies at the graduate level. I wasn’t sure I could do that, and his belief in me really changed my life.