Catherine Charlton Voice Studio

Catherine's master class catapulted my students forward in their quests for free singing. Her vast knowledge of both vocal pedagogy and the mind/body connection addressed a host of long-standing technical issues and provided both the participants and audience with exciting new approaches to try in the practice room. Comfortable instructing multiple styles of singing, Catherine successfully identified and unlocked body tensions and alignment issues that were previously preventing my students from reaching their goals. We are all dying for her to return!

I learned a lot about not over thinking and keeping my body always ready when I sing. I really feel like I have more control over my voice now and my mind can stay clearer because of her teachings!

Thank you so much for the lesson! I thoroughly enjoyed it. I learned so much about singing that I had never known before. I never thought that singing involved so much of my body, and I really enjoyed applying that energy into my voice. My favorite illustration that you used was “find your inner fish”. I had never really thought about it before, but I love the idea of staying relaxed and balanced all at the same time. It really put some things into perspective for me. I also like the trick of walking backwards; it was such a great tool for alining the spine. Thank you again for such a wonderful experience!

There is no way on earth that I would be where I am in my vocal development without Catherine’s spectacular technique and guidance. I came to her as a sophomore in high school trying to pursue belting and she molded my voice into what it is today. Her technique completely frees the voice and brings it to its full potential, free of any manipulation. I never have to fear that I am straining or damaging my voice while following her instruction. She is straightforward, clear, and I am encouraged every time I leave her studio. Her lively teaching style and fiery personality makes her lessons exciting and something that I always look forward to. She has not only given me a technique that will last me throughout my career, but she has given me the tools to become a well rounded singer through expression and movement, as well as the etiquette necessary to become successful in the music world. After high school I took a gap year to stay and study and now I am at Juilliard. Catherine has been a wonderful mentor and a treasured presence in my life, and she truly has no equal.

When I came to Catherine in 2006 at the age of 61, I had never had a voice lesson. I was hoping to find a stronger, clearer voice, and I was thrilled that she was willing to work with me. What she has helped me achieve is a vocal transformation that I could never have envisioned. What I love most about Catherine's teaching method is that she brings out the best of each individual voice. I call it "crystal clarity." I've heard some of her other students sing, and each voice has its own crystal beauty. My friends and family have been amazed at my progress, which is ongoing, and I look forward to each lesson. Working with Catherine has made me an ageless singer and a better musician.

I have studied with Catherine Charlton for the past 4 years and they have been the best of my life. Not only has she help me become an emerging opera singer, she also has helped me find myself by sharing her love for classical music. Her extremely effective teaching, technical training, clear communication and infinite knowledge blend to create a well-rounded singer with a healthy voice. I am living proof of her wonderful work! Not only is she a wonderful teacher, she is also a compassionate and gracious person. Her lessons are very personal and target all aspects of performance. I am able to compete and perform appropriate repertoire as a poised and confident singer. Catherine's scientific approach and focus on the body has made me completely aware that singing isn't just about the throat. Her technique is one-of-a-kind and fun! The progress I have made in 4 years is unimaginable for most. I owe Catherine for my success. She made me a musician and without her help I would not have received so many offers from top tier music conservatories in the country. The journey continues, the two of us. It is an absolute blessing to work with her.

The first time I met with Catherine I knew that studying with her would be a worthwhile investment. Looking back, she has risen above and beyond any of my expectations for a voice teacher. Of course she taught me the art of singing and performing well. She has a way of explaining technique in a manner that even the most inexperienced singer can understand. Although my voice has improved dramatically under Catherine's teaching, that will not be what I remember most fondly about her. She has been a great friend and mentor to me over the past three years. I am comfortable sharing my anxieties with her, knowing that she has a sympathetic ear and wise words to share. Catherine has taught me much about being gracious, level-headed and compassionate when dealing with other musicians and people. She got me into the habit of writing thank-you letters to accompanists and other people who support my singing advancement. The best thing about Catherine is how much she genuinely cares for her students. There have been many occasions when she has worked or researched outside of the studio for the benefit of her students. She never gives up on working to help each student achieve new levels in their vocal development regardless of their talent or experience. This to me is the mark of an excellent teacher.

The combination of Catherine's warmth, enthusiasm and thorough knowledge of the art form made her a pivotal teacher in my vocal development.

Catherine's passion for classical music, and her precise communication inspired me to practice with enthusiasm, achieve with a purpose and deeply love singing. While popular music was my first love, classical music is now extremely comfortable in my voice. The technique that Catherine stressed is now second nature; I truly feel I am singing healthier. Catherine's knowledge and appropriate song selections got me further than I could ever imagine in my college auditions. I had more offers than I knew what to do with! All in all, I can't thank her enough for the opportunities she gave me. She took me under her wing at a time in my life when I did not know where I wanted to go musically. In addition to being an exceptional voice teacher, she is also a caring mentor.

I can't begin to express how blessed I feel to have had Catherine Charlton as a teacher. Her creative and effective teaching, encouragement, compassion and warmth opened a lot of doors for me that I was incapable of opening for myself as a less-than-motivated, notoriously shy ninth-grader. Catherine has a way of explaining things that helps her students to successfully balance the many elements of singing. She has an enlightened teaching style that affects her students' singing at a deep fundamental level. And Catherine has always been willing to go the extra mile for students. Her compassion, generosity and dedication are apparent in all her walks of life. She has taught me so much about singing and communicating with people, and I am so grateful to have known her!

Catherine Charlton is more than a voice teacher. She is a vocal performance mentor. Whether it's technique, repertoire, or performance anxiety, Charlton's wealth of experience helps student of all ages work through the psychological ups and downs of a serious singer. Catherine is the most hands-on, easy-to-understand voice teacher I have ever studied with. She brings a scientific approach to the art of singing which has helped me understand the physiology and physical aspects of good vocal technique. I have done my best singing under her tutelage.

I am so lucky to have had Catherine as a voice teacher. She helps each of her students set out on the path of their unique vocal potential, always being sure to stay within the lines of natural, healthy singing. I always found it fascinating to see, from month to month, how each of her students improved immensely under her teaching. In addition to building her students' technical abilities, Catherine establishes the firm foundations of well-rounded singers by focusing on all the aspects of a great performance, including technique, appearance, and emotional involvement. In studying with Catherine, I began to understand that performing isn't just about singing notes on a page - it's about using the music to communicate with an audience. Catherine has been an incredible person in my life as a singer, and I am so grateful to her for her patience, kindness, and encouragement.

Your passion for your craft, your interest in your students' abilities, and your enthusiastic and encouraging approach has been a winning combination for our son. Your belief in his abilities has been the key success factor in his achieving scholarship offers from several schools. Throughout our lives, we come across certain individuals who leave impressions that remain with us for a lifetime. We believe that you have become one of those "certain individuals" who has crossed our son's path.

When I was first approached five years ago to accompany several of Catherine's younger students for the NC NATS adjudications, I was apprehensive. I had not played for high school students for many years. When I worked with them, I was honestly shocked at their level of preparation. Her young students not only knew the basics such as correct notes and rhythms, but also the subtle nuances of dynamics and interpretation. They were poised and calm and ready for collaboration with a professional accompanist. Over the subsequent years, all Catherine's students have shown consistent progress in music and life. She is a supportive mentor who celebrates with her students in their successes. When they leave her studio, they go out as singers ready to conquer college studies and performance opportunities. In my career, I have accompanied twelve years of incoming college freshmen, and I can say with certainty that her students are among the most musically advanced and well-prepared of any I ever have or ever will meet.

On behalf of the Saint Mary's School Community, I want to express my deep appreciation for your superb recital for our final Smedes Parlor Series concert of the 2007-2008 season. We could not have asked for a more brilliant program or exciting performance. Your full-house audience included the most sophisticated listeners as well as our young students, and all seemed equally enthralled. You received the only standing ovation of the whole season, and it was well deserved. Your beautifully prepared program notes and translations provided a welcome guide for audience members. This program was unique in the connectivity of the songs around a theme, and one was fascinated always on so many levels, whether it was history, humanity, or the sheer enjoyment of your beautiful singing.