Melissa Williams

Melissa Williams is an active performer and teacher in Colorado. She is at home on the musical or classical stage as well as backstage directing and designing. On the musical stage she most recently played Dolly Levi in HELLO DOLLY in Boston MA, Spring pf 2022. She will be seen this Summer 2022 as the FairyGodmother (US July 17 - 30) in CINDERELLA at the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse where she played Frau Schmidt in SOUND OF MUSIC last December. Melissa is also remembered as Margaret White in Carrie - The Musical at Longmont Theatre Company.

Melissa has a very busy private vocal studio in Boulder (South Boulder Vocal Studio) and also stage directs shows with several local theatre companies. Melissa’s true passion is teaching. As a theatre educator, she has taught classes in acting, musical theatre, understanding and creating characters, creative improvisation and physical theatre. She enjoys teaching acting to singers and how to create believable characters while “freeing” the voice through movement and dramatic texts. She believes in the power of the performing arts in developing young people’s confidence, creativity and sense of community.

Melissa’s training is classical but she grew up singing the American Songbook and performing in many musicals. She holds a MM in Voice and Pedagogy from the University of Colorado studying with the late Barbara Doscher. She trained at the Boston Opera Institute with Sharon Daniels and Phyllis Curtin. Melissa completed the Winter Intensive with Double Edge Theater in Massachusetts and has begun her certified training with Michael Lugering – The Expressive Actor.

Melissa and her partner Scott Sewell live in Boulder and have raised two incredible daughters.

SCROLL DOWN FOR TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

SOBO Teaching Philosophy

It is crucial to build a trust with students that allows the discovery of their ‘true voice". The foundation of my private teaching pedagogy is based on the writings and mentoring of my teacher the late Barbara Doscher. I speak often of the use of vocal resonance, vowel formants and vowel modification in my studio. All of my students learn the anatomy and physiology of breathing as well as the understanding how the singing voice functions. I speak often to vocal hygiene and care and the importance of knowing your voice from not just listening but feeling the resonating areas. As a students technique becomes stronger, it is my role to help a singers find the artistry in the music since communication is the key to being a successful singer. Each student is an individual and requires a unique application of these techniques. One of the gifts I bring to teaching is my ability to communicate the ideas of singing technique to my students. I have worked diligently to become a professional singer and vocal pedagogue. I understand the development of the voice with regards to technique and musicality. Furthermore, I continue to take every opportunity to research and further my education through the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), and the Colorado Wyoming Chapter of NATS, and Michale Lugering - The Expressive Actor in order to enhance my own abilities as a professional singing/actor and teacher. This benefits my students greatly in their continued vocal studies.

Because no two individuals are alike, I tailor lessons to the unique personal needs and goals of each student. Through your musical journey you will develop a sense of confidence in your singing capabilities as we explore specific vocal and breathing techniques. You will find that the techniques learned through your singing lessons can be applied to other areas of your life. As you progress in your understanding of fundamental concepts and ideas, we will begin to incorporate songs into your lessons that best represent your personality and voice. Some of the concepts we will focus on include:

Vocalization based on the Bel-Canto technique and the Berton Coffin Method of Phonetic Basis of Artistic Singing in order to attain a natural & beautiful sound.
Breathing instruction and body awareness.
Stage presence and posture.
Dramatic intention and emotional connection.
Rhythm, pitch, intonation, and diction.
Relaxation techniques.
Working through stage fright and performance anxiety.
Familiarity with musical terminology.
Understanding and appreciation for various genres of music and stylization.