Master Classes & Workshops

Melissa Hart Conducting Master Class at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point — Master Class at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

I deliver master classes on three topics:

How to Sing in a Healthy Broadway Belt,
How to Use Breath Support and Acoustics, and
How to Use the Punctuation of the Lyric for a Truthful Dramatic Delivery.

Each topic can also be delivered as a workshop.

Vocal Technique: Healthy Broadway Belt

The goal of this master class is to enhance the singer/actor’s ability to deliver a healthy, truthful, and powerful performance several times a week – with no vocal distress. In this master class I demonstrate and teach female participants the technique for a head resonance-dominated belt in which the singer safely sings “off the cords.” This master class is designed for female professional actor/singers as well as actor/singers in training.

Vocal Technique: Breath Support and Acoustics

The goal of this master class is to acquaint participants with the methodology for achieving low breath support and the use of head resonance. This master class focuses on understanding and practicing the physiological aspects of low breath support and the use of exercises to open the head resonance. This master class is designed for both male and female professional actor/singers as well as actor/singers in training.

Punctuation and Dramatic Delivery of the Lyric

The goal of this master class is to ensure that the actor/singer understands the lyric-as-text so they can deliver a “truthful” character. This master class focuses on the singer’s ability to deliver the lyric as a dramatic monologue using punctuation as a tool. In so doing the actor/singer develops an understanding of what he or she is saying, to whom, and with what intended effect. This master class is designed for both male and female professional actor/singers as well as actor/singers in training.

Previous Workshop and Master Class Clients

I have conducted Workshops and Master Classes in a variety of venues including:

Twin Cities Actor’s Expo
St Olaf Voice Department
University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theatre BFA Program
Macphail Center for Music
Alley Theatre in Houston
Marymount Manhattan College
Florida Atlantic University
University of Miami
Baltimore School of the Arts
Penn State University
Kentucky Governor’s School
CADA School of the Arts
Florida Association of Theatre Educators
National Association of Teachers of Singing – First National Convention on Belting
The Featured Recitalist for the first NATS convention held on Belting

Macalester College Dept. of Theatre
St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists
University of Florida
University of Oklahoma
Florida Thespian Conference
Coconut Grove Playhouse
Southeast Theatre Conference
Interlachen Music Camp
FCCAA Conference
University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point
Dryfoos School of the Arts
Minnesota Music Teachers Association

Quotes from Master Class Participants

“I’ve attended several master classes since taking up study here (Michelle Pawk, Bobbie McFerrin, etc.), and Ms. Hart’s was by far the most enlightening. Her technical discussion of the sustaining power of raised inflection with reference to commas was of particular interest, and I’ve spent much of the day applying the principle to Shakespearian monologues. It was wonderful to witness that woman at work.” Brandon G.

“Thank you for arranging Melissa Hart’s visit. Her master class today was extraordinary and very moving.” Joan K.

“I wanted to express how truly inspired I was to just be in the room with that remarkable woman. I have been to a lot of master classes, and she was by far the most nurturing, challenging, and inspiring artist I have witnessed work with students. I was brought to tears several times as she spoke of an artist’s privilege to share the truth with an audience.” Marie H.

Contact Melissa about a Master Class or Workshop

Please contact me for information on presenting a workshop or master class for your organization

Master Classes

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Melissa Hart - Master Class with Jerry Elsbernd's Voice Studio

Master Class for Minnesota Music Teacher’s Association

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