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CHELSEA BONAGURA

MY Philosophy

Ms. Bonagura’s teaching philosophy is rooted in the tradition of Manuel García, an operatic technique that has produced some of the finest singers of the operatic tradition, and a lineage that was passed down to her during her time as Diana Soviero’s teaching protégé. Ms. Bonagura preserves this tradition and adds to it her own comprehensive understanding of anatomy, physiology, and psychology in order to meet the needs of today’s modern singer. She believes the authentic voice is rooted in basic, primal, and natural movements and sounds that result from uninhibited functions of the human body. Ms. Bonagura’s holistic technical approach is designed to maximize vocal efficiency and allow students to enjoy decades of healthy vocal artistry and freedom of expression. Her solutions-based teaching streamlines the learning process without compromising technical or artistic integrity. It's important to Ms. Bonagura that her students develop a capacity to think critically and analyze their own vocal development with the eventual goal of being able to self assess the healthy use of their voice. With her compassionate and encouraging spirit, and intellectual curiosity, Ms. Bonagura provides a welcoming environment for growth and exploration that is built on mutual respect between herself and her students.

WORK WITH Chelsea

In addition to her teaching responsibilities at Mannes, Ms. Bonagura maintains an active private studio catering to singers of a wide array of disciplines, including opera, classical, musical theatre, and contemporary styles. Specializing primarily in the Garcia and Bel Canto operatic techniques, two styles that have produced some of the finest singers in the history of opera, Ms. Bonagura prioritizes a holistic technical approach designed to maximize vocal efficiency, allowing students to enjoy decades of healthy vocal artistry and freedom of expression.

Testimonials

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WHAT Students ARE SAYING

CHELSEA IS A SUPERB TEACHER. I HAVE STUDIED WITH MANY DIFFERENT TEACHERS OVER THE COURSE OF MY CAREER AND HAVE NEVER WORKED WITH ANYONE WHO SO CLEARLY DIAGNOSES AND EXPLAINS THE ACT OF SINGING. I FEEL LIKE SHE HAS GIVEN ME BACK MY VOICE."

-Katherine Whyte, Soprano

“EVEN THE SEASONED PROFESSIONAL WILL BENEFIT FROM CHELSEA'S INSIGHTS. I'VE ENJOYED OUR SESSIONS IMMENSELY. SHE IS A TECHNICIAN THROUGH AND THROUGH AND WITH RAZOR SHARP EARS."

-R. Wes Mason, Singer, Actor, Teacher

“I HAVE WORKED WITH CHELSEA VERY INTENSELY OVER THE PAST YEAR. SHE IS A FANTASTIC TEACHER AND HAS HELPED ME ENORMOUSLY. I AM MORE EXCITED ABOUT SINGING THAN I HAVE BEEN IN THE LAST 10 YEARS AT LEAST. HER VOICE IS BEAUTIFULLY ALIGNED AND SHE CAN DEMONSTRATE ANYTHING TO PERFECTION. HER TECHNIQUE IS HONEST, TRUE, PURE AND IN MY OPINION, THE REAL THING."

-Eva Maria Westbroek, Soprano

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CHELSEA IS AN INCREDIBLE TEACHER AND PERSON. EXTREMELY KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THE VOICE AND ABLE TO COMMUNICATE HER KNOWLEDGE IN CREATIVE WAYS. SHE IS THE KIND OF TEACHER THAT MAKES YOU WANT TO PRACTICE. LESSONS WITH CHELSEA ARE THE BEST PART OF MY WEEK. I FEEL LUCKY TO HAVE FOUND SUCH AN INCREDIBLE TEACHER."

-Sarah Dearstyne, Singer, Dancer, Actor

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