COVID-19 update: We are open and accepting new students at this time. Online and in-person lessons are available, with appropriate precautions.
Utah Vocal Arts Academy
Utah's Premier School for Excellence in Singing
Our Teachers
Vocal Training at UVAA
Our specialty is providing the highest quality vocal lessons to singers of all styles, ages, and skill levels.
Teachers:
Our teachers have been hand-picked by Dr. Hurtado for their excellence in music and performing, their dedication to quality education, and their passion for strengthening others through music. They each have or are pursuing degrees in vocal performance or music education. They are also fantastic singers themselves, who perform regularly on professional, university, and community stages. They are excellent technicians and great people!
Lesson options:
Whether you want training in Classical, Musical Theater, or Popular music styles, UVAA has qualified teachers who specialize in each genre. Browse our faculty bios below to learn more about our excellent teachers.
No experience necessary:
You do not need prior experience to take lessons with us, just a desire to sing better! Our students range from professional singers and national competition winners to hobbyists and beginners of all ages.
Pricing:
Lessons cost between $26-114, depending on the teacher and the length of the lesson. Click here for detailed policies and pricing.
To find out if lessons at UVAA are right for you, fill out our application form and a member of our staff will contact you shortly to schedule a lesson.
Dr. Isaac Hurtado
Director, UVAA
Classical/Opera
DM, Voice Performance,
Florida State University
MM, Voice Performance,
Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
BM, Voice Performance,
Brigham Young University
Dr. Hurtado's former students include 2 national winners, 4 national semifinalists/Rocky Mountain regional winners, and 4 Utah District winners in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions since 2017. His students have performed with Santa Fe Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, Central City Opera, Des Moines Opera, Ohio Light Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Utah Opera, and many others. They have been admitted into nearly every major vocal program in the country including The Juilliard School, Curtis Institute, Manhattan School of Music, Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Eastman School of Music, New England Conservatory, Boston Conservatory, San Francisco Conservatory, Peabody Conservatory, Brigham Young University, Roosevelt Conservatory, Boston University, The Cleveland Institute and many more.
Dr. Hurtado also enjoys a varied career as a professional singer, voice teacher, and stage director. He has performed over 30 operatic roles and has appeared in numerous concerts across the country and in Italy. He is best known for his 'honey-toned' voice that 'caresses the ear,' 'money notes worth every penny,' and 'convincing' and 'heartfelt' acting portrayals. Key roles have included Rodolfo in La Bohème, Romèo in Romèo et Juliette, Duke in Rigoletto, Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor, Tamino in The Magic Flute, Alfredo in La Traviata, Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly, and Werther in Werther.
Dr. Hurtado is currently serving as Assistant Professor of Voice and Director of Opera at Utah Valley University.
Ally Christiansen
General Voice, Classical, Choral, Music Theory
Andrea Briscoe
Classical and Musical Theater
BM Vocal Performance (Classical ), BYU
Recent graduate Ally loves helping students at all stages in their musical development. This spring she made her professional debut as a member of the choir for the Lamb of God Concert Film. In her time at BYU, Ally sang in all of the auditioned choirs, with 3 years in University Singers. Recent opera roles at BYU include Ida and covering Rosalinde in Die Fledermaus, and covering the Queen of the Night in Die Zauberflöte.
BM Voice, UVU (In progress)
Andrea is currently a star soprano in UVU's exciting opera program, having recently debuted as Lucia in Lucia di Lammermoor, Violetta in La Traviata and Rosalinda in Die Fledermaus. She's also an accomplished pianist, actress, and musical theater nerd who happens to have a killer high F!
Tiffany Parker
Pop/Contemporary, Musical Theater
BM Commercial Music, BYU
Tiffany is our reigning pop/contemp diva. She starred in BYU's A Cappella group, Noteworthy, and has performed prominently in Utah and Arizona in musical theater. She is a fantastic option for singers looking for a hip, modern sound. More...
Holly Michelsen
Pop/Contemporary, Musical Theater, Beginning Classical
BM Voice, UVU
Holly is a vocal chameleon! She can sing almost any style and sound amazing. She is a supportive and encouraging teacher who has great skills with belt, mix, legit and classical voice production. More...
Jenny Andrus
General Voice, Classical.
Musical Theatre
BS Family Studies, Minor in Music (BYU)
Jenny spent most of her childhood and adolescence singing and performing in musicals, and went on to refine those skills for two years in the BYU School of Music. She works with students on proper breathing techniques, tone, and ear training, as well as building stage presence by helping students feel confident in their performing abilities. She is great with students of all ages!
Chase Petersen
Musical Theater, Contemporary
BFA Musical Theater, UVU (in progress)
Chase is a highly experienced performer of musical theater, and contemporary styles. His performances include appearances with Loren Allred, Alex Boyé, Madilyn Paige, and Dallyn Vail Bayles. He has performed for Hale Centre Theater, BYUTV, LDS Motion Picture Studio, and other venues across Utah. Chase's voice and teaching skills will blow you away!
Ciara Brown
Pop/Contemporary
BM Commercial Voice, UVU(In progress)
Ciara is a senior at Utah Valley University studying commercial music with an emphasis in contemporary voice. She is trained in many areas including; vocal technique, performance, music theory, piano, songwriting, and music tech/studio recording. She excels in teaching contemporary/pop, jazz, soul/R&B, and musical theater.
Hannah Nelson
Musical Theater, Classical, General, Music Theory
BM Choral Education, BYU (In progress)
Hannah is currently studying Choral Education at BYU, but is a theater geek at heart! She loves musical theater and has had over a decade of involvement in performances in community and educational settings, including leading roles in Aida, Footloose, and Rob Gardner’s Lamb of God. She’s also earned statewide awards, including UHSAA’s Best Actress and 1st Place in Musical Theater. She is passionate about healthy singing and hopes to help her students find ease and freedom in their voices.