Vocal

For me, there is nothing more exciting than working with young and developing voices- helping children discover a love and a talent that can bring them joy and empower them, youth nurture their talent and develop healthy habits that they can take from their garage band to their choir, school musical, or in the case of many of my past students, university programs, national musical theatre tours, major children's choral organizations, and regional opera houses, and adults find the voice they didn't know they possessed or further their passion in the midst of life's demands.

I am committed to helping singers build healthy vocal skills through a wide variety of exercises and repertoire. Goals for my singers include helping them explore their complete vocal range and color; hone musicianship skills; make connections between the voice and their entire being; and become confident performers.

I have 18 years of experience teaching children and adults in jazz, rock and pop music. I am supportive and patient, helping students to find their own voice and teaching them how to master their instrument with passion. I have written,recorded, arranged and produced my own songs and just finished my third CD " For The Time Being". I teach from my studio in Berkeley which is equipped with proper amplification, up to date recording technology and computer programs. I emphasize the joy of singing and support my students in their choice of music.

Margaret Secour is a classically trained opera singer. She studied in the Opera Program at California State University, Long Beach. As a singer, she has performed with San Francisco Opera Chorus, San Francisco Symphony Chorus, San Francisco Lyric Opera, Lamplighters, and Oakland Civic Theatre; toured nationally with Pasadena-based Opera a la Carte, a Gilbert and Sullivan company; and appeared internationally with Master Chorale of Orange County. Ms.

Ms. Howitt seeks to provide the highest quality vocal training possible to her students. Using appropriate materials and adjusting her teaching style accordingly, Ms. Howitt works with students of diverse ages and backgrounds to find greater vocal freedom and technique. Ms. Howitt strives to create an atmosphere in which students feel safe to explore their creativity and express themselves fully.

Got diva?
Highlights from my broad range of appearances in opera, recital and concert include most of Mozart’s heroines, Handel's evil sorceresses, and Verdi's Lady Macbeth with Donald Pippin's Pocket Opera; Four Last Songs of Strauss with LiederAlive; and Britten’s War Requiem in San Francisco’s Davies Hall.

I have the great pleasure of teaching a wide variety of students including active professionals, local singing teachers, young artists auditioning for major music schools, training programs and festivals, beginners and dedicated amateurs. My students have achieved the highest honors of the performing arts, are performing with major opera companies, Broadway Theaters and National Tours and include Tony Award Winners, Major Motion Picture Stars, International Pop Artists and Cabaret Singers. I teach in a large, fully equipped studio centrally located in San Francisco.