Maureen Chowning

Style: World; Opera; Jazz; Folk; Classical; Musical Theatre

Bio: Coloratura soprano Maureen Chowning studied at the Boston and New England Conservatories of Music before moving to the San Francisco area. She has since appeared on the Public Broadcasting System’s NOVA series and Smithsonian World with Max Mathews, demonstrating his Radio Baton and conductor program. She has also performed at concerts in Canada, Poland, and Japan and at the International Electronic Music Festival at Bourges, France, where in 1990 she gave the world premiere of Solemn Songs for Evening by Richard Boulanger and in 1997 she gave the premiere of Sea Songs by Dexter Morrill. In addition to singing the premiere of Joanne Carey’s Three Spanish Songs she and the composer presented the work in Poland, Hong Kong, Vancouver and Mexico. \nIn March 2005 she gave the world premiere of “Voices,” composed for her by John Chowning, for computer generated sound and solo soprano at the Maison de Radio in Paris and in March 2006 the US premiere as part of a Berkeley Symphony Concert series . Also, Ms Chowning performed “Oscura” by Jean-Claude Risset at CCRMA, Stanford University in 2007. She is noted for her special ability to sing comfortably in alternative tunings, such as the Pierce scale, and in a wide variety of styles. Her repertoire ranges from Handel oratorios, operatic roles such as the "Queen of the Night" from Mozart's The Magic Flute, to contemporary music including works of Schoenberg, Qui Dong, Servio Marin, and Atau Tanaka. Of late, she has been giving masterclasses and performances along side her husband in Beijing, Taiwan,Germany, Italy and Columbia and Peru. \nMs. Chowning has maintained a busy private studio for voice pedagogy for 26 years and is very active giving master-classes around the world. \nShe can be reached via email at mcchant@gmail.com and her web-site which is, www.maureenchowning.com. \n \nTeaching Philosophy: \nSince the 11th century teachers of singing in the western world have followed their curiosity to understand the complexity of vocal production. They have studied the underlying principles of both the physical apparatus and behavioral habits which is now known as …… Bel Canto \n \nWith the use of computers and other advanced tools today, researchers are finding out that the old masters were correct in a surprising amount of their findings. \n \nI believe in using this validated method as a basis for my teaching. I have been emphasizing a common sense and healthy technique for the longevity of the singer. After establishing a solid technique in these principles, as singer can then focus on their particular path of expression.

Voice Type: Soprano

Music Styles Taught: World; Opera; Jazz; Folk; Classical; Musical Theatre

Availability: I am available as a performer; I am currently accepting private students; I am available as a clinician or presenter; I accept students through a college or university program

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