Cathy Dietsch
About
Hello!
My name is Cathy Dietsch. I am a professionally trained opera and musical theatre singer, actress, lifelong musician, and mother of four. I have performed internationally and have spent more than 30 years studying and teaching vocal pedagogy, and hold a BFA in Vocal Performance.
My approach to voice lessons is rooted in healthy, organic vocal development. I have had the privilege of studying extensively under Dorothy Stone, a lifelong student of renowned voice teacher and Bel Canto pedagogue Cornelius Reid. This training has deeply shaped the way I understand the natural function of the voice and the importance of developing each singer without forcing or compromising healthy vocal production.
Music has been a lifelong part of my family. My father, Mark A. Williams, was a respected Kodály educator and founder of both IKS and OAKE, and he was also my first music teacher. My background in Kodály music education and Bel Canto vocal pedagogy gives me a unique perspective on the connection between the voice, the body, the musical mind, and the individual singer.
I teach students of all ages and abilities, and I have a particular heart for students with special needs. I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to discover their voice and experience the physical, emotional, and creative benefits of singing and making music. You are never too young—or too old—to discover what your voice can do!
In addition to voice, I am a lifelong percussionist and experienced actress. I also teach percussion, theatre, general music, musical theatre, and other areas of the performing arts.
I am excited to connect with fellow educators and singers here and to help students develop not only their voices, but confidence, creativity, musicality, and a lifelong love of the arts.
Whether you are a beginner or professional yourself, I would love the opportunity to be a part of your musical journey!
Teaching Style
My teaching combines principles of Bel Canto, Kodály, and Alexander Technique, creating an approach that is both technically grounded and responsive to the individual singer. I pay close attention to each student’s unique voice, physical coordination, learning style, and goals. I believe effective teaching requires both careful observation and empathy, and I am not afraid to adjust or change an approach when something is not working for a particular student. My goal is not to force every voice into one method, but to help each singer develop healthy, efficient, expressive technique while discovering what works best for their individual instrument. I believe that a teacher must practice their own skills, and as such, I continue my own education and insure that I am still performing.
Curriculum
Depending on the length of the lesson and the student’s individual goals, we may work on vocal technique, warm-ups, vowel formation, pitch, resonance, and awareness of vocal intensity.
Longer lessons allow us to go beyond technique and apply these skills to repertoire. We may work on song coaching, musicianship, interpretation, storytelling, and characterization, helping the student develop not only as a singer, but as a complete performer.
Lessons are tailored to each student’s experience, goals, and individual voice. I believe that technical development and artistic expression should grow together, so students learn not simply how to sing a song, but how to communicate and tell a story.
Credentials & Affiliations
Education & Vocal Performance
- BFA, Vocal Performance — Lake Erie College, Ohio
- AA — Lakeland Community College, Ohio
- Vocal Performance studies — Miami University, Ohio
- MBA studies in fine arts management- University of Technology, Sydney, AU
- Summer Opera Institutee, Pepperdine University, including a master class with musical theatre legend John Raitt
- American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) — Musical Theatre, New York City
Vocal Pedagogy & Continuing Study
- Voce Doro & Summer Time Sings — Vocal pedagogy and performance studies and voice student of Dorothy Stone, of Restore My Voice- leading vocal restoration and Bel Canto specialist. Dorothy was a lifelong student of renowned vocal pedagogue Cornelius L. Reid
- Guest speaker, Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE), Chicago, Illinois
- I continue to pursue professional development through private lessons, classes, workshops, and continuing study.
- Member of Texas Music Teachers Association and Katy Music Teachers Association
International Performance Experience
I have studied and performed internationally in Vienna, Frankfurt, Zurich, Sydney, and London, as well as throughout the United States, including Ohio, NYC, LA, Texas, and Michigan. My performance experience includes opera, musical theatre, plays, film, and commercial work. I am also a member of worship team and have performed in and taught many choirs.
I have performed with and/or worked with professional theatre organizations including the Barn Theatre Company in Michigan. I was formerly a member of Australian Actors' Equity and am Actors' Equity Association eligible in the United States.
Music & Arts Education
In addition to private voice instruction, my work encompasses a broad range of music and performing arts education. I am a percussionist with the Lone Star Symphonic Band, lead a youth band and preschool choir, and offer early childhood, special-needs, homeschool fine arts classes in my community.
I have directed and produced plays, musicals, and operas, taught summer camps, and volunteered extensively in the arts. I am also the founder of a Texas nonprofit fine arts organization and community theatre Joyful Noise Fine Arts 501(c)(3), providing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate in the performing arts.
