Singing is exhilarating, fun, fascinating, and the oldest and purest form of musical expression. The human voice is capable of an astounding range of dynamics and colors. Unlocking the mysteries of proper vocal production is key to making singing a more rewarding experience for amateurs and pros alike.
Chicago-based opera singer, Katie Leemhuis, is an experienced music instructor and professional performer, committed to providing her students with the highest caliber of vocal instruction. Her teaching background includes vocal instruction in classical, musical theatre, jazz, and pop, as well as piano pedagogy. In addition, Katie is an experienced choral conductor and has taught female and male students of all ages.
Katie's students learn in a relaxed and nurturing environment as she guides them toward a healthy vocal technique, while developing confidence, stage presence, and strong musical skills. She also helps her students prepare for auditions, performances, and competitions in a variety of muical genres.
Chicago-based opera singer, Katie Leemhuis, is an experienced music instructor and professional performer, committed to providing her students with the highest caliber of vocal instruction. Her teaching background includes vocal instruction in classical, musical theatre, jazz, and pop, as well as piano pedagogy. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance from the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, and with a Master of Music degree from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Katie began teaching voice lessons while still at Oberlin, and by the time she was in graduate school, she was an Associate Instructor of Music with a full and dynamic vocal studio of her own.
Katie has been singing her whole life. Throughout her childhood, she was involved in choirs and theater groups, and studied private piano, clarinet, and voice lessons. With a musical theater and classical music background, her passion for music and performing led her to the Oberlin College conservatory of Music and Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music, where she pursued opera as a career. As a professional opera singer, Katie has sung at venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, and Millennium Park, and with such companies as the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Opera Theater, Opera Theater St. Louis, and Opera Colorado, among others. She has performed roles such as Hansel in Hansel and Gretel , Cherubino in Le Nozze di Figaro , and Dido in Dido and Aeneas.
Katie is a fully accredited member of the American Guild of Musical Artists, and the Chicago Musicians' Club of Women.
Please stay tuned for information about our new location!
You have two options of locations for your voice lessons.
The first option is to have lessons in Katie's voice studio, located in the neighborhood of River North just north of Chicago's Downtown Loop. Located at the intersection of West Erie Street and North Hudson Street, there is a Brown Line CTA stop about 10 minutes away and a Blue Line CTA stop about 15 minutes away. There is also easy access to the public bus system and street parking should you prefer to drive. The studio is just off the Ohio exit of I 90/94. If you arrive before your lesson time, there is lobby seating downstairs where you can wait.
The second option for voice lessons is that Katie comes to you. In order for this to work, you must own a full 88-key keyboard or piano, and have street or driveway parking available. In addition, there will be an additional charge to you for gas; the government IRS gas rate per lesson ($0.55 per mile). However, this option seems to work for many people, and Katie is happy to help make your lessons happen.
Katie has taught private voice lessons for more than eight years. Her students have successfully sung recitals and performances, and have auditioned for high school and college-level ensembles. Katie's students include voice majors in elite musical institutions, successful professional musicians, and most recently, a young Disney movie star.
In the studio, Katie guides her students toward a healthy and efficient vocal technique, emphasizing breath, posture, and the elimination of tension. Each lesson begins with breathing and vocal exercises, many of which the student can easily understand and take home for study. Each lesson includes work on strengthening music reading skills and ear training. Repertoire selections cover a variety of styles, and Katie is open to each individual's preference. She coaches her more advanced students in international phonetic alphabet and foreign language diction (French, Italian, German, Spanish, and Latin).
Along the way, Katie helps her students develop confidence and stage presence, encouraging them to be expressive singers and actors. While her students range in age, she specializes in preparing young singers (ages 10+) for auditions, performances, and competitions in many genres including: opera, musical theater, drama, popular music, and concert work.
Learning to sing is a long process that requires commitment, dedication, and lots of practice. Even professional singers still take regular voice lessons. Your progress will depend on how much time and effort you put into your at-home practice sessions.
Students must practice regularly in order to see results. Katie will plan a personalized pratice regimen tailored to meet each student's specific needs. If possible, it is important that the student record each lesson to use as a practice tool. Katie recommends using a singing journal to write down any questions, observations, and struggles to discuss at your next lesson.
Katie is a skilled pianist so the student will not need to bring or pay for an accompanist separately. This would only change if you were preparing for an audition or recital.
Payment: Lessons must be paid for in advance; payments are due at the beginning of each lesson. Each student will receive an invoice at his/her lesson that explains the fees that are due the following week. Cash or check only.
Scheduling, Cancellation & Tardies: Please inform Katie if you have any upcoming schedule conflicts, so that she may plan ahead. Most lessons are scheduled back-to-back with other students. If a student is late, the lesson cannot be extended past the regular time. If a student is unable to attend a lesson, they should notify at least 24 hours in advance in order to reschedule (except in the case of sudden illness or emergency). Katie's own personal rehearsal schedule often requires flexibility on your part. If she needs to cancel a lesson, you will be notified immediately and your lesson will be rescheduled.
Illness: Please do not come to a voice lesson if you are sick. When in doubt, cancel 24 hours in advance!
Bring to each lesson:
- Two 3-ring binders with copies of all current repertoire (one for Katie, one for you).
- Singing journal/notebook and pencil.
- Water bottle (always stay hydrated!)
- If possible, a recording device such as a smart phone with a voice memo function, Griffin's iTalk mic (compatible with certain iPods) or a digital voice recorder.
Music:
Students will be asked to provide their own music for lessons. Katie is happy to provide the necessary resources for students to find music (Chicago-based music stores and online sheet music sites), but the responsibility of providing music ultimately lies on the student. If your lessons take place in Katie's studio, there is a small music library accessible for lessons occasionally.
Lesson Termination: Sometimes the student/teacher relationship just doesn't "click." It is important to communicate with your teacher when this happens, so that you can work together to find a solution. If a student decides to terminate lessons or find a new teacher, Katie is happy to help you in your search for a new teacher, if needed.
Private Lesson Rates:
30-minute lesson: $45
45-minute lesson: $60
60-minute lesson: $75
Lesson length can depend on age, level, attention span, and other factors. Katie recommends one lesson a week. Feel free to contact her for more information and to determine which lesson length might be the best for you.
Other fees include occasional costs of music, should you need it provided by Katie, and gasoline fees, should you opt to have lessons in your home. For further information about lessons in your home, click the Location link.
Each student will receive an invoice at his/her lesson that explains the fees that are due for that lesson. Payment should be by cash or check only, and paid at time of lesson.
