My name is Ruthie and I graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in May of 2007 with a Bachelors of Music Education degree with an emphasis in voice. Through my collegiate experiences, I had the privilege of participating in a Concert Choir, Barbershop/A Capella Ensembles, Vocal Jazz Ensembles and Performance in Solo Voice. The jazz program at UNC is one of the finest in the United States, and to be selected as a member of one of the vocal jazz ensembles was an honor in itself. From these experiences I have gained knowledge about the importance of vocal performance and music advocacy.
I accepted a position as a general music teacher in Colorado in the fall of 2007 and then worked part time for a school in Laguna Niguel, CA until June of 2012. I started my own music studio in Southern California in February 2010 and from there it grew to 30+ students. My students ranged from ages 3-55 where I taught piano, voice and guitar. I recently moved from California to Minnesota and am trying to get my music student clientele established. I love to sing all different styles and I’d love to help you find your style and help discover your passions.
My passion for music started for me as a young child. I grew up in a musically inclined family, and was inspired and motivated by family members to use my gifts and talents to educate students about the world of music. My immense love for children, coupled with my educational experiences and my passion for music qualify me as a fun and exciting teacher.
I am huge lover of Barbershop/Sweet Adeline music and in 2010 I competed in the International Young Women in Harmony Quartet Contest in Nashville, TN. My quartet, Vogue, won the competition. The Young Women in Harmony contest is for girls 25 years old and younger. I recently sang with a quartet called, Dolce. We competed in two International Competitions in Denver and Hawaii and placed 10th and 15th in the world. I was also a member of the International Gold Medalist Chorus, Harborlites, which is comprised of 180 female singers.
Here a couple links to videos of myself performing:
Vogue Quartet – 2010 International Rising Star Champion, Sweet Adeline International
Dolce Quartet – 2012 Region 21 Champions, Sweet Adeline International
*** Lesson Details ***
My lessons will be educational and fun. I want to find your passions and interests and from there I will create lesson plans to enhance your learning experience in your specified concentration. Voice lessons will start with vocal warm ups and exercises and then we will proceed to work on vocal techniques and preferred repertoire. During the lessons we will create goals and work on those goals so you become a successful musician.
I am a very patient and caring teacher and I am able to create the lessons to your style and needs. Music is fun and I want to make it that way for you!
***Education***
Simpson College
University of Northern Colorado
