Private Voice Lessons for High School Singers
The Bach Society of Saint Louis enlists private voice teachers to work with local high school singers who wish to advance their vocal skills and technique. Voice lessons take place on the high school campus, during the school day with coordination help from the high school’s Choral Director. All voice teachers serve as private contractors and are given a background check before teaching can begin. Participating students will be chosen and vetted by the school music teacher.
The Bach Society believes in nurturing the talent of St. Louis’ young singers. We intend for this program to primarily serve students in underserved districts who do not have the financial resources for, or access to, private voice lessons. Lessons will be offered to students who are recommended by their choir or music teacher. Students should be ambitious, dedicated and have a strong work ethic. Our hope is that participants will gain a greater appreciation for classical music and will learn basic techniques that will improve their vocal ability both now and into the future. Students will have the opportunity to perform or attend a celebratory event at the completion of the spring semester.
Local high school choir teachers are charged with the difficult task of developing young students and preparing them for auditions and competitions throughout the school year. While it can be challenging for one music teacher to provide enough time, energy and resources to offer this additional support to their students, our voice teachers will be there to fill the gap and support this area of need. Private teachers will be in collaborative communication with school music teachers to ensure that each participant is meeting and fulfilling their full singing potential.
TEACHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Determine selection process and choose students who will participate
• Ensure student and parent(s) return necessary agreement forms
• Provide a space and time for student lessons
• Provide access to necessary sheet music (BSSL can provide music, if needed)
• Communicate with private instructor about any changes to the schedule or absences of students
Meet the Voice Teachers: Patterson Performing Arts
Patterson Performing Arts equips students with the fundamental skills for confident, expressive music-making in a supportive, performance-based environment.
Heather Patterson, Owner & Instructor
Heather McKenzie Patterson has been teaching voice for nearly 20 years. A graduate of Michigan State University (MM) and Furman University (BA), she made her solo performing debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City in 2017.
Favorite operatic roles performed include Musetta (La Bohème), Frasquita (Carmen), Susanna (Le Nozze di Figaro), Sophie (Der Rosenkavalier), Cleopatra (Giulio Cesare), Yum-Yum (The Mikado), Nella (Gianna Schicchi), Emily (The Ballad of Baby Doe), and the title role of Manon.
In addition to her private voice and piano studio, Heather has an accomplished teaching career at the university level, previously serving on voice faculties at Webster University, University of Missouri, Principia College, and Michigan State University.
Calista Goldwasser, Instructor
Calista Goldwasser holds a Master of Music from Webster University, and a Bachelor of Music from DePauw University. Recent debuts include the opera choruses of both Winter Opera of Saint Louis (Anna Bolena, Don Giovanni, Naughty Marietta) and Union Avenue Opera (Carmen) in addition to performing and stage directing with Webster’s Opera Studio. Though opera is her primary passion, she also loves art song, and early music, particularly from the French impressionist and baroque movements.