I’ve been told that I was singing before I could speak.
My musician mother nurtured in me an early love of song, accompanying me and encouraging my piano studies, choral singing, and entering me in local festivals. It was my first experience in a musical theatre production that ignited my desire for private singing lessons. My own experience has fostered a profound enjoyment and today I love to facilitate and encourage this development in my own curious students.
I have always known the importance of a good teacher. At the age of fourteen, I read an interview with Vera Rozsa discussing vocal technique and decided then and there that I wanted to work with her someday. So, when I was accepted to study at the Britten Pears School for Advanced Musical Studies in Suffolk, I worked to find a way to see her. After a successful audition and a letter of support, I got to work raising funds to start studying that September. In addition to working a full-time job, I sent letters to over 250 foundations requesting financial support to pursue my dream of studying with Vera. Determined? Absolutely! Further intense studies with other specialists such as Paul Hamburger of the Guildhall School continued my musical development leading to a satisfying performance and teaching career. I now have over 30 years of teaching experience and continue to seek out opportunities to grow as a musician and a teacher.
I work to foster a compassionate, safe and fun environment for my students to explore their curiosity. Discovering your true voice is not a passive process, but a collaborative one!
My ability to hear subtle differences in tonal quality leads to diagnostic discovery and exploration.
The Cantare Studios practice is based on the fundamental belief that an authentic connection between intention and technique results in an efficiently coordinated instrument and greater ease in performance.
I wish to guide my students in noticing maladaptive patterns and replacing them with habits more conducive to success. When we commit to improved vocal habits, we give ourselves a wider range of options in exploring our true voice.
“Norma Churchill is an exemplary teacher who works with each individual student to unlock their true potential. She uses a scientific approach of the voice and incorporates the physical with the emotional to deliver a holistic approach to singing.”
