Chanelle Schaffer

Style: Pop; Jazz; Folk; Gospel; Classical; Musical Theatre

Title: Minister of Music and Arts, St. Thomas Reformed Church

Bio: Chanelle is an honors graduate of Stanford University (B.A. Music--Vocal Performance/Piano), and the MFA program at San Francisco's American Conservatory Theater. While at Stanford, she was the recipient of a Hewlett Foundation grant for advanced piano studies, and upon graduation, joined the staff of the music department as the principal vocal accompanist. Upon graduation from A.C.T. she joined the acting company and the conservatory faculty, teaching singing, cabaret performance, and audition prep, and also served as Resident Music Director for all Mainstage shows. She served on the Adjunct Faculty at U.C. Berkeley, and is a former faculty member of NYC's City Music School and the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA). Chanelle has performed nationally and internationally as a vocalist, pianist, and actress; theatrical credits include leading roles at A.C.T., Colorado Shakespeare Festival, San Jose Civic Light Opera, and TheaterWorks USA, and she is the recipient of a DramaLogue Award for Outstanding Achievement in Performance. As a teacher/coach, Chanelle incorporates yoga, Alexander Technique, Linklater voice/speech training, and many other elements from her background in the bel canto tradition to build healthy vocal technique. She has studied with Bobby McFerrin since 2012, and integrates his methodology of sound production, vocal freedom, and improvisation into her work with students and professionals. Chanelle's students have performed in film, television, and on Broadway, and include Tony winner Anika Noni Rose and American Idol finalist Amy Krebs. Chanelle has been active in music ministry since childhood, and has served as Music Director/Minister of Music at historic Judson Memorial Church, Marble Collegiate Church, where she collaborated with artists including the legendary Ben Vereen, and at Fort Washington Collegiate Church, where her choir was featured in concert with the legendary Patti LaBelle. Chanelle also sang as a section leader with the Power in Praise Mass Gospel Choir, which performed multiple times on Good Morning America, and won back-to-back regional championships of the 'How Sweet the Sound' gospel choir competition. Currently, Chanelle maintains a private voice studio, and serves as the Minister of Music & Arts at the St. Thomas Reformed Church in the Virgin Islands.

Voice Type: Soprano

Music Styles Taught: Pop; Jazz; Folk; Gospel; 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 offer lessons in a group environment; I accept students through a college or university program

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