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About
In over 10 years of offering private voice lessons, I have honed a highly individualized approach to teaching vocal technique. I am committed to the concept of "maximum natural," and I strive to combine technical knowledge with visual imagery in a language that guides students to sing freely and efficiently in their own unique voices. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance from the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University, and I am a full member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. While I am an active performer, I also take care to continue my own vocal study with my private coach and at workshops locally and abroad.
My studio includes male and female students of all abilities, ages 10 and up--from beginners to hobbyists and professionals. I have trained singers in both classical and music theater styles for auditions and for performances in honors and regional choruses and paid chorales; school, community, and professional theater; and admission into college and university music programs.
Our journey as a teacher and a student will begin with the technical fundamentals--posture and breathing--and proceed along a personalized plan to capitalize on the student's strengths, improve areas of weakness, and meet short- and long-term goals.
I work collaboratively with students to develop practice plans to guide them through the week between lessons and to choose repertoire and performance opportunities that are appropriate for their development.
There are few pleasures greater than the moment that a student is able to analyze their own mistake and correct it themselves. In our hour together, I strive to equip my students to do just that - in my studio, in the practice room, and on stage.
Overview
Hired 4 times
Serves Bethesda, MD
Background checked
1 employee
20 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, PayPal, and Venmo.
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
9 reviews
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Read reviews that mention:
Ann M.
Mar 26, 2016
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Hired on Thumbtack
Carla is great. Her diagnosis of my problem and exercises to improve are just right. It's a pleasure to work with her. She also has a glorious voice.
Singing Lessons (for adults)
Kirsten M.
Feb 27, 2020
My daughter has been working with Cara for just about 4 years now and we just can’t say enough good things about her. From that first lesson, Cara has been patient, encouraging, knowledgeable, professional and so much fun to work with. My daughter’s skills as a vocal performer just continue to improve with every lesson. When anyone hears her sing now they immediately ask, “who is your vocal coach?!”
Kathy C.
Mar 1, 2020
My 11th grader takes singinglessons from Cara Schaefer and we can't recommend her enough. Cara is not just meticulous about teaching proper technique to help my daughter develop a powerful sound, but she is also fun, funny, and warm. Over the years, my daughter has sang in choruses, taken private lessons from different singing coaches, and performed in various musical theater productions. Although she only recently started with Cara, she's already learned so much. Highly recommend!
Rachel H.
Feb 27, 2020
Cara is a caring person who wants the best for her students and has helped me grow not only as a singer and a performer but also as a person. I look forward to my lesson every week because I know that I’ll be treated well and cared for while still being pushed to learn new things.
Meghan W.
Sep 14, 2019
Cara pushed me in ways I never knew were possible. She helped me grow not only as a vocalist but as a person overall. I’ve taken music lessons with several instructors over the years, but she by far made the biggest difference (and improvements!) in my life.
Credentials
Background Check
Elizabeth Rogers
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I charge $75/hour for lessons in my home studio, or $85/hr to travel to you within Montgomery County and parts of DC.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I received a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Peabody Conservatory, and have continued to study independently with the best local teachers since then. In 2016 I became a full member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing.
What types of customers have you worked with?
I have worked with students aged 9-90 in all sorts of genres, from students to hobbyists to professionals.