Personal Statement/Bio:

Susan Fisher’s primary focus at Epiphany Voice & Music Studio, is teaching correct vocal and guitar techniques to her students. Her teaching includes the Orff and Suzuki methods of music for children. Susan has been teaching voice and beginning to intermediate guitar privately for fifteen years. Her students perform in recitals at least twice a year. They also participate in C.Y.T. and Coast Kids Theatre Productions, and some of her students have gone on to sing professionally. She currently teaches Professional artists with ongoing careers.

Her history as a musician started when she began her vocal training under the instruction of Anita Lee Mixson. She studied with Anita while attending Diablo Valley College in the San Francisco Bay area. During this time she was a member of the Chamber Singers and A Cappella Choir, which toured under the direction of Dr. Richard Kamprath. After two years she moved to the Chico, California where she later received her B.A. degree in vocal performance and English at CSU, Chico. While Susan Fisher attended Chico State, her main focus of study was with the Opera Workshop, under the direction of Dr. Gwen Curatillo. She was also equally active with the Chamber Singers and A Cappella Choir, which were conducted by Dr. Sharon Paul. Susan performed in the opera "Carmen", the yearly Opera Gala, and each annual Opera Ball headed by the Bravo Association. She did solo performances backed by the A Cappella Choir and toured with them throughout Europe in 1990. The CSU Chico Choir performed a musical piece specially written for this tour, by composer Kirk Meecham, entitled "Island in Space". The Choir and Chamber Singers also sang other sacred and contemporary compositions. During this trip the choir met in Estonia with the Choirs from UC Berkeley and UC Davis. There, they collaborated with the Estonian Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra in performing Haydns’ "Creation", directed by Eri Klass. They performed in Estonia, Germany, Poland, Russia, Finland, and the Ukraine.

Since her graduation Susan continued to perform and study. She has worked as a studio musician, recording with Grammy award producer and singer/song writer David Grow. Susan Fisher has recorded with Brent Bougoise at Moon Recording Studio in Sacramento, CA. She has also written and recorded her own songs for missions outreaches in the Philippines, Australia, and the Netherlands. She has been active in leading worship at various churches over the last twenty-two years. Susan Fisher has performed her original music for concerts on the same billings with Elvin Bishop, Dr. Hook, and the Earl Scruggs Band, for large audiences. A few years ago, Susan directed the Choir at Ocean Knoll Elementary School, with Owen O’Connor as Principal.

Susan Fisher continues her goal of sharing the gift of song and music with all of her students and colleagues. She hopes to continue to give her talents as an instructor, performer, composer and recording artist to the entire community. Susan gives honor to all of her teachers, including Anita Lee Mixson, Beth Freeman (University of Nevada Reno), Ulyses Solano (prominent Costa Rican tenor), composer/teacher Dr. William Ramsey, Dr. Sharon Paul (conductor), and Dramatic Soprano Opera Singer, Alla Markovich. Susan still learns, studies, and performs, which enables her to offer her students the best possible training.

Education/Training:

Susan Fisher's primary focus at Epiphany Vocal Studio is teaching correct vocal technique to her students. Her techniques include the Belle Canto style of singing and the Orff/Suzuki methods of music for children. Susan has been teaching all levels of voice and beginning to intermediate guitar privately, for over 20 years. Her students perform in recitals at least twice a year. They also participate in C.Y.T. and Coast Kids Theater Productions, and many of her students have gone on to sing professionally. Currently she has professional artists studying with her, who have really started taking off with their careers.

Susan Fisher's history as a musician started when she began her vocal training under the instruction of Anita Lee Mixson. She studied with Anita and at Diablo Valley College in the San Francisco Bay area. During this time she was a member of the Chamber Singers and A Cappella Choir, which toured under the direction of Dr. Richard Kamprath. Later she moved to Chico, California, where she later received her B.A. degree in Vocal Performance and English at CSU, Chico.

While Susan attended Chico State, her main focus of study was with the Opera Workshop, under the direction of Dr. Gwen Curatillo. She was also equally active in the Chamber Singers and A Cappella Choir, which were conducted by Dr. Sharon Paul. Susan performed in the opera "Carmen", the yearly Opera Gala, and each annual Opera Ball headed by the Bravo Association. She did solo performances backed by the A Cappella Choir and toured with them throughout Europe in 1990. The CSU Chico Choir performed a musical piece specially written for this tour, by composer Kirk Meecham, entitled "Island in Space". The Choir and Chamber Singers also sang other sacred and contemporary compositions. During this trip the choir met in Estonia with the Choirs from UC Berkeley and UC Davis. There, they collaborated with the Estonian Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra in performing Haydns’ "Creation", directed by Eri Klass. They performed in Estonia, Germany, Poland, Russia, Finland, and the Ukraine.

Since her graduation Susan Fisher has continued to perform and study. She has worked as a studio and session musician at Cloud 9 Recording, with David Grow, a contemporary adult rock artist, producer, singer/songwriter, and Grammy Award nominee. View David's credentials and studio, at www.davidgrow.com. She also sang and recorded with Brent Bougoise, at Moon Recording Studio in Sacramento, CA. Susan Fisher has written and recorded songs for mission outreaches in the Philippines, Australia, and the Netherlands. She has been active in leading worship at various churches over the last 25 years. Susan has performed her original music for large audiences on the same billings with Elvin Bishop, Dr. Hook, and the Earl Scruggs Band. Since moving to the San Diego area, Susan was Choir Director for the Ocean Knoll Elementary School, with Owen O'Connor as Principal. Later, Owen's daughter Lindsey took lessons and she now stars in Broadway musicals.

Susan Fisher continues her goal of sharing the gift of song and music with all of her students and colleagues. She hopes to continue to give her talents as an instructor, performer, composer and recording artist to the entire community. Susan gives honor to all of her teachers, especially Anita Lee Mixson, as well as Beth Freeman (University of Nevada Reno), Ulyses Solano (prominent Costa Rican tenor), composer/teacher Dr. William Ramsey, Dr. Sharon Paul (conductor), and Dramatic Soprano Opera Singer, Alla Markovich. She also gives special thanks to fellow singer and friend Jeanette Blakeney, now singing with the New York City Opera Company. Susan still learns, studies, writes, records and performs many genres of music, which enables her to offer her students the best possible training.

Teaching Philosophy:

Good Vocal Technique

Susan Fisher

My approach to teaching others to sing is a lot like giving my students the keys to unlock and free their voices. The most important key is for the individual to have a really passionate heart to sing and/or play guitar. If the desire is truly there, the ability almost always is as well. There are very few actually tone deaf people in the world, so it is a rare occurrence. This leaves the remainder of the population as potential singers & musicians.

Of course no two voices are alike. Just like fingerprints, each voice is totally unique. There are those who are born with what are known as “big voices”, which we hear in Opera singers and some of the best loved pop singers of our era. Then there are others with a lighter, more bell-like voice, as we’ve heard in vocalists such as Charlotte Church, and even Sarah Brightman. This does not mean they can’t sing operatic songs; both of them do so very beautifully. Their careers don’t center on the heavy, dramatic sound needed for Opera. Celine Dion may do a difficult Italian Aria much justice, however it would not be in keeping with the type of music she chooses to perform. Instead, she has made a career singing in a style she prefers and is most comfortable with, which has been a great career decision.

This is where my experience and training comes in. Whether someone wants to sing purely for their own enjoyment, or they want to sing professionally, it is my job to give them the vital techniques to ensure they sing correctly. Singing should be effortless and pleasurable, without having to strain in any way. Singing “naturally” is the best approach. My commitment to facilitate the evolution of this process is through consistent, proper training. This training takes a real commitment on the part of both my students and myself. The format their lessons take is as follows:
A. One lesson per week. (Consistency is very important)
B. Daily practicing which promotes musical growth.
C. Students receive personalized guidance on the best techniques while singing or playing guitar. (Focusing on “good technique”).
D. Learning how to relax and open up in order to get the best results.
E. Working on and perfecting the songs each student chooses to sing or play.
F. Coaching with “on stage” skills, which help conquer performance anxiety.

My experience as a singer began in junior high school. I sang and played guitar, eventually going on to study privately. Later I went on to a university where I received my B.A. degree. During the course of my studies I sang professionally, toured Europe and worked as a studio musician. I have had experience in singing all styles of music, from Opera to Rock and Folk. In addition I have also recorded and distributed some of my own songs through contemporary Christian music sources. I have been teaching voice and beginning guitar for over 15 years. While teaching I’ve continued to perform and study under various vocal coaches, in order to grow, and keep current in my skills as an overall musician, vocalist, and instructor.

Music Programs:

CYT, Coast Kids, The Star Theatre Oceanside, YMCA Music Program, La Jolla Community Choir, No. Coast Calvary Chapel Worship, 2nd Chance Ministries Band, Singing for Special Events, Weddings, on call as a Session Studio Musician and Worship Leader.

Cancellation Policy:

All lessons are paid for on a Monthly basis. There will be one lesson per week, unless more are asked for, for each Student. Tuition is due for each month on or before the 1st of each upcoming month of lessons. If a student wishes to cancel lessons, a 1 month's notice is required before stopping lessons. If a Student is sick or will be out of Town, a "Make Up" lesson will be given at the soonest availability.

Promotions:

For the months of October and November, lesson prices have been reduced. For a full hour lesson, the pricing will be for 1/2 Hour sessions. This will continue as long as the Student stays with their lessons. I WILL WORK WITH THOSE WHO HAVE FINANCIAL CHALLENGES, TO LOWER THE REGULAR RATES!