I began teaching voice while performing at the Oregon Shakespearean Festival as a minstrel. Actors there asked to study with me, and when I moved to Portland, Oregon I continued teaching. I maintained a private studio in Portland while performing throughout the NW. When I landed a contract at an opera house in Thüringen, Germany in 1990 I took a hiatus from teaching. Later, on a full Fellowship g
rant to the U. of Victoria B.C. for a Master's Degree in Vocal Performance, I taught Lyric Diction and Singing for Actors at the college level. Now back in Portland, students at Portland Community College receive college credit for studying voice with me. Since my performing career has covered many styles, my students enjoy working on classical, music theater, jazz and other styles while practicing an essentially classical technique that can be adapted to any music. I perform less often now, which leaves more time for music composition, including three operas, choral cycles, and many songs.
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Here are a few endorsements from singers who have studied with me:______________
“Theresa is without question the most dedicated, knowledgeable, respectful, kind, encouraging, and capable instructor I’ve ever had. It’s my honor to recommend her without reservation. I studied music at a prestigious university and am a working composer. So I have had my fair share of music professors. Theresa excels them all, without a doubt. She has the remarkable ability to be fully present in her time with a student. She so invests her entire self into my success that I loose all sense of time in my lesson. Every second is used so fully that each time I walk away feeling like I’ve just discovered new layers of my abilities. It’s profound how her complete engagement with me allows me to completely trust her and open my voice. Theresa’s knowledge of vocal repertoire is unmatched. She knows exactly the right pieces to match with her singers, from across genres. And it’s not about matching a piece to “your voice” it’s about matching it to “you”. She has a unique ability to listen to who you are, and to what your goals may be… and respond with the music that will move you directly forward on your path. So to me she’s also become a guardian and guide for my spirit. Her pedagogy is divinely inspired. She hears “you” in your unique voice and quickly identifies how to nurture “you” to fully embrace your voice. And she guides you at exactly the right pace, the one at which you are most comfortable, and that will best help you achieve the best you can be. Theresa also excels as a pianist / accompanist. She has a remarkable ability to play so well, all the while completely focused on your singing. Her ability at the keys certainly brings a greater musical depth and understanding to the lessons. I am grateful for Theresa in my life, every single day. On days I don’t sing, her wisdom is still with me. Her joy in watching me improve, in embracing my voice is infectious and inspiring. Anyone who is looking to start singing or continue at the highest level will be so grateful for their time with Theresa.” — Sharon Fendrich, composer & performer
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“Theresa Koon is an exceptional, gifted teacher. Several years ago, my impulse to sing led me to Theresa’s studio. I had no idea what a life-enriching journey her teaching would inspire. My voice has developed beyond anything I imagined. Singing and the practice associated with developing my voice gives me unparalleled joy. I am in awe of the focus, the concentration, and the presence that distinguish Theresa’s teaching. At the same time, she fosters a safe, humane, and trustworthy space for the development of the voice and the student. Every lesson yields progress because Theresa precisely isolated barriers and just as precisely prescribes remedies that she patiently works through with me. Theresa works with the student in developing the voice and her pleasure in that is clearly evident. It is fun, rewarding, and exhilarating to be a student of Theresa’s.” — Ruth Metz, vocal student
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“Among Theresa’s numerous gifts as a vocal coach is her astounding ability to leave judgement out of our coaching – I don’t think she tries to do that, I don’t think she can teach any other way. I’ve studied with her for close to 5 years now and am convinced that her highly developed intuition, which she marries flawlessly with her incredible technique allows her to teach me in a way that I can hear and understand best. I don’t have to conform to her ‘way’ or ‘style’ but rather, she has stripped away everything in technique but what is useful to me and useful in a given moment or phase of my development. Her skill in articulating what is up for refinement comes from an unswerving devotion to uncovering my true and authentic voice. She is a miracle and a gift to me and I’ll warrant, to all who wish to sing from that place of authentic grounding. I’ve experienced the glory of singing with a freedom that has lifted me to seek a quantum way of living – so I can continue to sing from that place! Theresa has been able to unlock with me, those places in my instrument that have been blocked and unavailable for integration. I wouldn’t want to be on this journey with anyone else.” — Christine Kahane, performer
