Amy Cheifetz Billings

Style: Opera; Classical; Musical Theatre

Bio: I am a voice teacher and singer with an equal passion for Musical Theatre, opera, and classical music. I currently live in Summerville, South Carolina after 12 years living, singing and teaching in New York City and 7 years in Salem, Oregon. While in NYC, I taught at both the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) and maintained a successful private vocal studio. I strive to foster a love and passion for singing and performing in my students, while instilling in them the importance of healthy vocal technique. With my extensive vocal, musical, and theatrical training, my work at AMDA, along with my background in and passion for the American Musical Theater canon and classical music, I am very successful at developing all ages and voice types and preparing students for flourishing performing careers in both Musical Theatre as well as opera. Good vocal health with a strong, clear idea of technique opens up a world of possibilities of musicality, theatricality, not to mention repertoire choices and career longevity. With a healthy voice, any style of singing is available to you. My philosophy of vocal technique, based on my mentor Cornelius Reid’s work of register mechanics, is perfectly suited for addressing complicated technical vocal issues, especially the special needs of singing Musical Theater: I believe there is such a thing as a healthy belt, and that all singers should develop their head voice for complete, long-lasting vocal health. The technique of balancing the registers not only produces healthy, viable voices, but also reveals the individual singer’s unique voice. I want each student to discover what makes their voice special and distinctly their own. This in turn helps them to explore repertoire artistically and creatively. In regards to artistry, I believe singing is fundamentally theatrical no matter the genre, and that a thorough understanding of the text, diction, context, character, musicianship, and perhaps most important of all, musicality, are integral to expressive singing. Technique alone will not produce results without particular attention to these other essential elements. I have reestablished my private voice studio at my home in Summervilles’s historic district, blocks from downtown. Please contact me for lesson rates and scheduling. Flexible scheduling available. I am pleased to answer any inquiries about my teaching practices and philosophies. www.amycsings.com

Voice Type: Soprano

Music Styles Taught: Opera; Classical; Musical Theatre

Availability: I am available as a performer; I am currently accepting private students; I am available as a clinician or presenter

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