About Spellcaster Stages
Community for Vocal Performance
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Spellcaster Stages was born from the idea that the performing arts should be about setting oneself free. It’s about finding yourself through music, song, or character, and living in the magic it makes you feel.
Whether you’re here to start your performing career, or here to try something brand new, Spellcaster will help you realize your potential and live in your spotlight. We can’t wait for you to see your starpower.
Through engaging, individualized, and introspective lessons, students become strong, creative, confident musicians, as well as proud, remarkable performers and positive audience members.
Our philosophy is to teach a full heart-, body-, and mind-approach to music education — we live in the “how” and the “why.” Spellcaster students expect to go beyond basic curriculum; they learn anatomical and physical functioning, emotional phrasing, and freedom of songwriting. Through creativity and introspection, our lessons go beyond theory and technique, allowing social-emotional functioning to form a connection with our craft. Whether in a private lesson, group opportunity, or a supporting role, you are part of a collective of artists, a community of full-bodied support and passion for the magic of music.
Currently Performing as: Lauren (Kinky Boots)
Favorite/Dream Roles:
Wendla (Spring Awakening),
Dawn (Waitress),
Natasha (The Great Comet)
Favorite Performance/Audition Song: Someone Else’s Story (Chess)
Welcome to Spellcaster Stages — I’m so glad you’re here!
Hailing from the sunny suburbs of Los Angeles, I’ve studied music and the arts as a lifetime pursuit. From theater and choir, to concert bands and drumline, I pride myself on consistent growth and education as a multi-instrumentalist. I am adept at (and able to teach) voice, piano, mandolin, ukulele, bass, percussion, and trombone. I also have a wealth of experience choreographing movement. I’m a certified Jazzercise instructor and love to promote freedom through motion and dance.
A fascination with the process of performing lead me to Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, where I received BA degrees in Film Studies and Sociology. With these fields of study, I am able to look beyond the simple practice of music, but am able to interpret and analyze what it means to perform, whether on screen, on stage, or in life. After graduation, I worked in film and television casting before moving to not-so-sunny Portland, OR, to further my passion for teaching music and performing.
What sets Spellcaster, and my teaching practice, apart is in the support of my students and the holistic approach to educating. Spellcaster’s mission is to promote self-awareness and freedom of expression. I support my students in recognizing their unique talents and make sure they are as confident in their abilities and instrument as I am of them.
Together, we create an individualized artistry plan, with unique exercises and goals to let students feel confident, supported, and connected to their abilities and their futures. Spellcaster expects students to not only be gentle and respectful of themselves, but to encourage and celebrate community. We create good musicians and good humans. When we all live in the magic of music, our starpower radiates and makes us glow.
Here are some answers to the questions we receive the most about our programming.
If we missed anything, please do not hesitate to contact us. We’ll be happy to help!
Yes! While voice and piano are the main focus at Spellcaster, becoming a multi-instrumentalist is so beneficial to musicality, flexibility, and enjoyment. We offer ukulele, trombone, mandolin, percussion, and bass lessons.
Yes! However, to allow for proper allotting of time and flexibility, a one-hour lesson is required (roughly 30-minutes on each instrument). You are also welcome to schedule lessons on different days.
Great question! I’m sure you sing all the time, so what does practice mean?! Voice practice is about singing with awareness. That means singing with active thought on technique, and checking in with your body, your mind, and emotions. It also helpful to sing with the intent to perform, envisioning the stage and living in that future moment.
YES! Even though we use our voice all day long, singing requires a more forward placement than our speaking voice, as well as a much wider range of notes. Besides, you are a vocal athlete. Athletes don’t do their sport thing without stretching, right? Luckily, students have access to Spellcaster’s database of warm-ups and exercises to feel loose, relaxed, and connected to their beautiful voices.
Once kiddos have a basic understanding of the alphabet, independent dexterity of their five fingers, and the ability to spend at least 15-minutes of structured time, they could be great candidates for piano private lessons! Curriculum is taught through games, stories, and creative songwriting.
For voice students, the sweet spot is at least seven years old. At that age, kiddos have greater breath capability and understanding of connection between voice, body, and mind. But younger singers can benefit from lessons to start training their ear, discovering pitch, and developing musicality. Additionally, singing (and singing together) strengthens auditory functioning, language development, and emotional awareness.
The age-old question! Here are some tactics:
Talk to us! We can see what we can do by forming a payment plan or reimbursement program. Music education is for all!
At Spellcaster, performance is part of the curriculum. Students learn stage presence, nerve-calming techniques, and stage geography. All students, private and group classes, have concerts scheduled either at the end of their course, or larger showcases every six months, as well as additional opportunities at open mic nights and events. Additionally, our Coven Company showchoir performs out in the community.