Miya Higashiyama
About
I am a professional musician currently residing in the Chicago area, attending the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University ('21) where I am receiving my Master of Music. While at Northwestern I've sung operatic roles such as La Messaggiera in L'Orfeo, Dorabella in Cosi fan Tutte, and covered Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus. Music is my biggest joy and passion and I absolutely love to share it with others. I have been teaching music lessons in one on one and group settings (voice and piano) for over 7 years and am a professional musician trained in piano, classical voice, and musical theatre. I hold a Bachelors with honors in music in addition to achieving my masters and have sung with a wide variety of local musical organizations including Vashon Opera, and the Olympia Symphony and have placed and competed in several national organizations including NATS and the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions.
Music lessons are a great way to focus on different elements of technique and musical expression. I am comfortable teaching all ages in all genres at all skill levels and tailor each lesson and curriculum to fit each student's specific needs. I love helping people achieve their goals with a variety of skill sets and techniques, combined with warmth, encouragement, and humor.
Some genres I teach in both instruments include opera, classical, pop, contemporary, musical theatre, basic jazz, praise music and more. I look forward to working with you!
I believe everyone can and should make music! In our lessons we will focus on different elements of technique and musical expression. For voice, we will discuss and work on elements such as breath, posture, and use specific vocalizes (voice exercises) tailored to each student to challenge their individual range and musical style. Depending on each student’s goals, we will work on a song or songs which could culminate for a recital, audition, or just for fun! I teach beginners all the way through advanced, and am comfortable in a wide range of genres including opera, musical theatre, pop, praise music, jazz, and more. I also am comfortable preparing vocalists for sight singing, ear training, or AP theory music exams. I combine a very specified, hand-crafted, fun approach to helping my students meeting their goals, with warmth, encouragement, and humor. I look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve what you want!
NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing)
Bachelor of Music, Master of Music
Achieved practicum hours in public schools for music education in undergraduate degree
CPR certified
For piano, the Faber series, Brown Scale Book, Hanon, etc.
For voice, Estelle Liebling course, Singers Musical Theatre Anthology, etc.