My name is Isabelle and I am a singing actor and teaching artist passionate about creating a safe, supportive space for students to explore and grow. As an operatic mezzo-soprano spanning genres from opera to musical theatre to Latin folk, I value cross-cultural connections through music. I teach with a classical technique and holistic approach, fostering a strong mind/body/voice connection. As a beginner piano instructor, I emphasize musical joy and foundational theory. My philosophy is that every student is unique and as such, their lessons are tailored to enhance their natural strengths and shore up any areas they would like to work on. Recent operatic highlights include: La Zia Principessa (Suor Angelica), Grouch (Green Eggs & Ham), South Wind (Mr. Twister) and Donna Elvira (Don Giovanni). I am a recent Philadelphia transplant, and am an active performer with Opera on Tap. I have been a member of the Boston Lyric Opera and BYSO choruses. I received my P.S.C and M.M in Opera at Boston Conservatory. I obtained a B.M. in Vocal Performance from the New England Conservatory and a B.A. in International Relations and German Studies from Tufts University. I am so excited to join the Philly Music Lessons teaching team and to collaborate with its talented students!

When did you begin singing, and why?

I have been singing ever since I could remember! Growing up in a Latin American household, I was surrounded by music, whether it was dancing to Celia Cruz in the kitchen with my mom, or belting out Stephen Sondheim in the car. I first started taking voice lessons at age 11 after becoming enraptured with the operatic soundtrack of Michael Hoffman’s 1999 film, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” After playing the scene with “Casta Diva” from Bellini’s Norma over and over again, I asked my mom how I could sing like that, to which she replied: “take voice lessons and practice!”

What other instruments do you play, and what is your experience with them?

I play piano at an advanced beginner level and have been playing off and on for the past five years.

What are your personal goals as a musician?

As an artist, my mission is to create cross-cultural connections and understanding through music, to invoke and remind one another of our shared emotional landscape as humans. As a musician, I want to always be curious and learn something new everyday, whether it’s about my voice, someone else’s approach to music or singing, or a new fun fact about the world around me. As a singer, I would love to produce and record an album!

Do you have a memory of a time when a musical concept or technique really clicked?  Something you’ll remember forever?

I will forever be grateful to my teacher, Dr. Rebecca Folsom, for teaching me about the mind/body/voice connection. I believe that the voice is an extension of the subconscious, conscious, and physical selves. All these parts must work together and be present in order to produce your true, authentic sound.

What is your favorite piece of advice from one of your past (or current) teachers?

Sing with your own voice. Don’t try and sound like someone else. Sound like you.

What was your most challenging moment learning an instrument

Learning to be kind and patient with myself. Everyone learns concepts and ideas at their own pace; everyone has their own path. Yours may look different than others, and that’s okay.

What is your biggest musical achievement?

Being able to sing my grandmother’s favorite tango for her at her bedside, which was the last time I ever saw her alive.

Favorite thing about teaching?

Watching a student put all the pieces together for themselves and discovering something new about their voice. Helping them feel empowered in their own body and sound.

What is a piece of advice you would like to share with anyone learning music?

Remember that the whole reason you want to make music is for the love of it. There’s a time and place for practice, but make sure you are having fun throughout!