Personal Statement/Bio:

Karen Tucker Patterson, a Colorado native, received her degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Colorado in Boulder in 1988.

Karen has performed with Opera Colorado, Opera Theatre of the Rockies, Denver Opera Company, Boulder Bach Festival, Boulder Philharmonic Academy, Colorado Music Festival Chorus, Colorado Symphony Orchestra Chorus and others.

Karen founded the “Sing for Life” voice studio in 1992 is a certified member of NATS, the National Association of Teachers of Singing.

Karen has performed the roles of “Leonora” in Verdi’s Il Trovatore and “Lady Billows” from Britten’s Albert Herring in 2003 as well as "Santuzza" in Cavalleria Rusticana and “Kundry” from Wagner’s Parsifal in 2004 with the Opera Theatre of the Rockies Summer Vocal Symposium, under the guidance of retired MET Opera singer, Martile Rowland, with whom Karen studied for 4 years.

Karen placed as a Semi-Finalist in the Scammon International Opera Competition in October 2004, completed the NYIOP (New York International Opera Auditions) in March 2005 and has also performed in a unique collaboration with the Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance Company in April 2005. She placed as a Quarter-Finalist in the National Classical Singer Convention Audition/Competition at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York, NY May 2005 as well as competing in the All Colorado Opera Auditions (ACOA), in Denver on March 24th, 2007. Most recently, Ms. Patterson sang sang as a Soprano soloist in the premier of the new Requiem Op. 120 by James Myers in March of 2009 and competed in the Liederkranz Wagner Competition in New York City January 2009 and 2010.

Following a successful Opera Audition Tour of Germany and Austria in the autumn of 2007, she is learning the full role of Brünnhilde from Wagner’s Ring Cycle, as requested by several German agents and plans to return to Europe for another audition tour in the autumn of 2011.

Currently Karen studies with David Jones in New York City and Wagnerian Jane Eaglen in Ohio. She continues to prepare for future roles, auditions and performance opportunities.

Education/Training:

I am a certified member of NATS, the "National Association of Teachers of Singing"

I have a degree in Vocal Performance and training in Vocal Pedagogy from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

I have studied voice for more than 30 years and I have been teaching privately for more than 18 years.

I have performed as a soloist throughout the state and in ensembles throughout the Boulder/Denver Metro area, including with the Boulder Philharmonic Academy, the Boulder Bach Festival and Opera Colorado.

I have also studied other forms of art, including many years of dance and theatre, as well as the Alexander Technique.

Teaching Philosophy:

Everyone Should Sing... it's our Universal Language! It's part of being alive, the voice of creation, the joy of human self expression. I offer you a chance to enter into a wonderful, personal and creative partnership of discovering your true voice.

I will work with you beginning at YOUR level. Allow me to guide your journey as you learn to release and share the natural beauty of your voice, and grow in confidence and satisfaction as you increase your skill level.

I will help you reach your goals, whether that is to be a better shower singer, to improve your skills for involvement with your church or community choir or to help you gain solid technique to move on to a college degree or even a professional singing career.

Technique is the foundation to any style of singing. I will help you learn your own natural voice and gain solid technique.

I believe that the study of any art form is a journey. Satisfaction and enjoyment come from the discoveries one makes along the way.

The pace of growth is a very personal one and varies from student to student. I will guide you and help you excel without emotional or physical discomfort.

I believe that your voice is a part of your body and that your whole body is your instrument. I teach with a holistic approach and combine the wealth of my experience and education into an individualized technique to bring out the best in you.

Music brings enjoyment and beauty to our daily lives and enriches our life experience. I would be honored to help you discover your voice and the joy that using it can bring into your life and others.

Music Programs:

NATS, NAMTA and Opera America

Cancellation Policy:

Min of 24 hours notice. With less than 24 hours, lesson must be paid for, but at the teacher's discretion, can be made up as an "extra" lesson at a future time and date mutually agreeable to both student and teacher.