Somatically Informed Singing Lessons from an Opera Performance Phd candidate, an international mezzosoprano& certified somatic practitioner.
From 130 C$ /h
Classical Voice Training - Audition Preparation- Somatic Voice Work- Breathwork Sessions for Singers- Embodiment - Performance Coaching
ABOUT ME
Hello and welcome,
I am a professional operatic mezzo-soprano, vocal instructor and certified somatic breathwork-bodywork practitioner with more than 20 years of international artistic and pedagogical experience across Türkiye, Europe and the United States.
Alongside my professional opera career, I am currently an Artistic / Scientific PhD candidate in Opera Performance at İstanbul University State Conservatory, researching the integration of somatic and embodiment-based practices into classical vocal training.
My musical education began at Bilkent University Conservatory as a violin student alongside advanced music theory and solfege studies. I later completed my Bachelor of Music in Opera Performance at Hacettepe University Ankara State Conservatory and began my professional opera career at Ankara State Opera. I completed my Artistic / Scientific M.M in Opera Performance in Başkent University State Conservatory with Erasmus in Musikhochschule Lübeck.
Throughout my artistic journey, I performed and studied internationally in cities including Florence, New York, Berlin, and worked with organizations such as New York Lyric Opera, New York Vocal Productions, Opera North Resident Artist Program (U.S.A), Intermezzo Foundation Elardo Young Artist Program, İzmir State Opera and İstanbul State Opera, Maccedonian State Opera ... I got the chance to work with faculties of important music schools like The Juilliard School of Music, Mannes College of Music, Manhattan School of Music alongside with opera professionals in Germany and Europe. I also have an extensive masterclass experience.
My repertoire includes roles such as Carmen, Donna Elvira, Amneris, Cherubino, Angelina, Maddalena, Suor Angelica, Preziosilla, Zweite Dame, Lucretia,Tigrana... alongside extensive recital, lied, concert and chorus repertoire including Verdi Requiem, Carmina Burana and Rossini Stabat Mater.
Over the years, my work gradually evolved beyond traditional vocal pedagogy into a deeply somatic and interdisciplinary understanding of the voice. Alongside conservatory education and professional stage experience, I completed extensive trainings in Biodynamic Breathwork Trauma Release, myofascial bodywork, meditation practices, embodiment work, yoga, breathwork and expressive arts approaches.
ABOUT LESSONS
My approach to singing is interdisciplinary, somatic and deeply embodiment-oriented. I believe that the body already knows how to sing. Rather than forcing the voice into rigid shapes, my role as a teacher is to help release unnecessary tension patterns and reconnect you with breath, resonance, coordination and authentic vocal expression.
I work with singers of all levels — from complete beginners to advanced and professional performers — as well as with individuals interested in exploring the voice through embodiment, creativity and emotional expression.
Technical areas we may work on include: • healthy vocal coordination and sustainable vocal function
• register transitions, passaggio work and register blending
• breath support and efficient breath coordination
• freer resonance and vocal release
• jaw, tongue and throat tension release
• legato line, balanced vibrato and diction
• vocal color exploration and resonators
• flexibility, agility and coloratura exercises
• mixing and belting for contemporary styles
• posture and alignment through embodied awareness
• interpretation, musicality and vocal acting
Depending on the needs of the student, sessions may also integrate: • somatic breathwork and body awareness
• movement-based tension release practices
• nervous system regulation
• resonance and embodiment practices
• meditation-based awareness practices
• expressive vocal exploration
• performance preparation and artistic coaching
My classes may be especially supportive if:
• you experience chronic tension or breath restriction while singing
• you struggle with performance anxiety or stage fright
• you feel disconnected from emotional expression while performing
• you are seeking a healthier and more sustainable vocal approach
• you are interested in exploring the relationship between voice, breath, body and creativity in a deeper way
I also work with singers from different musical backgrounds including opera, musical theatre, jazz, folk and singer-songwriter traditions.
Alongside my artistic work, I have also received awards in national and international opera competitions, including the Darclée Foundation Prize at the Hariclea Darclée International Voice Competition and 1st Prize at the Ankara Voice Association National Vocal Competition.
More important than achievements alone, I believe what allows me to guide singers today is that I have also experienced the emotional realities of artistic life myself — including rejection, uncertainty, vocal struggles and transformation. These experiences became an essential part of both my artistic and pedagogical journey, allowing me to approach my students not only with technical knowledge, but also with empathy, presence and a deeper understanding of the challenges artistic growth and vocal development can bring.
My aim is to help you build not only a stronger singing voice, but also a more embodied, expressive, authentic and sustainable relationship with your instrument and yourself.
Looking forward to meeting and working with you,
Ayşe
ABOUT ME
Hello and welcome,
I am a professional operatic mezzo-soprano, vocal instructor and certified somatic breathwork-bodywork practitioner with more than 20 years of international artistic and pedagogical experience across Türkiye, Europe and the United States.
Alongside my professional opera career, I am currently an Artistic / Scientific PhD candidate in Opera Performance at İstanbul University State Conservatory, researching the integration of somatic and embodiment-based practices into classical vocal training.
My musical education began at Bilkent University Conservatory as a violin student alongside advanced music theory and solfege studies. I later completed my Bachelor of Music in Opera Performance at Hacettepe University Ankara State Conservatory and began my professional opera career at Ankara State Opera. I completed my Artistic / Scientific M.M in Opera Performance in Başkent University State Conservatory with Erasmus in Musikhochschule Lübeck.
Throughout my artistic journey, I performed and studied internationally in cities including Florence, New York, Berlin, and worked with organizations such as New York Lyric Opera, New York Vocal Productions, Opera North Resident Artist Program (U.S.A), Intermezzo Foundation Elardo Young Artist Program, İzmir State Opera and İstanbul State Opera, Maccedonian State Opera ... I got the chance to work with faculties of important music schools like The Juilliard School of Music, Mannes College of Music, Manhattan School of Music alongside with opera professionals in Germany and Europe. I also have an extensive masterclass experience.
My repertoire includes roles such as Carmen, Donna Elvira, Amneris, Cherubino, Angelina, Maddalena, Suor Angelica, Preziosilla, Zweite Dame, Lucretia,Tigrana... alongside extensive recital, lied, concert and chorus repertoire including Verdi Requiem, Carmina Burana and Rossini Stabat Mater.
Over the years, my work gradually evolved beyond traditional vocal pedagogy into a deeply somatic and interdisciplinary understanding of the voice. Alongside conservatory education and professional stage experience, I completed extensive trainings in Biodynamic Breathwork Trauma Release, myofascial bodywork, meditation practices, embodiment work, yoga, breathwork and expressive arts approaches.
ABOUT LESSONS
My approach to singing is interdisciplinary, somatic and deeply embodiment-oriented. I believe that the body already knows how to sing. Rather than forcing the voice into rigid shapes, my role as a teacher is to help release unnecessary tension patterns and reconnect you with breath, resonance, coordination and authentic vocal expression.
I work with singers of all levels — from complete beginners to advanced and professional performers — as well as with individuals interested in exploring the voice through embodiment, creativity and emotional expression.
Technical areas we may work on include: • healthy vocal coordination and sustainable vocal function
• register transitions, passaggio work and register blending
• breath support and efficient breath coordination
• freer resonance and vocal release
• jaw, tongue and throat tension release
• legato line, balanced vibrato and diction
• vocal color exploration and resonators
• flexibility, agility and coloratura exercises
• mixing and belting for contemporary styles
• posture and alignment through embodied awareness
• interpretation, musicality and vocal acting
Depending on the needs of the student, sessions may also integrate: • somatic breathwork and body awareness
• movement-based tension release practices
• nervous system regulation
• resonance and embodiment practices
• meditation-based awareness practices
• expressive vocal exploration
• performance preparation and artistic coaching
My classes may be especially supportive if:
• you experience chronic tension or breath restriction while singing
• you struggle with performance anxiety or stage fright
• you feel disconnected from emotional expression while performing
• you are seeking a healthier and more sustainable vocal approach
• you are interested in exploring the relationship between voice, breath, body and creativity in a deeper way
I also work with singers from different musical backgrounds including opera, musical theatre, jazz, folk and singer-songwriter traditions.
Alongside my artistic work, I have also received awards in national and international opera competitions, including the Darclée Foundation Prize at the Hariclea Darclée International Voice Competition and 1st Prize at the Ankara Voice Association National Vocal Competition.
More important than achievements alone, I believe what allows me to guide singers today is that I have also experienced the emotional realities of artistic life myself — including rejection, uncertainty, vocal struggles and transformation. These experiences became an essential part of both my artistic and pedagogical journey, allowing me to approach my students not only with technical knowledge, but also with empathy, presence and a deeper understanding of the challenges artistic growth and vocal development can bring.
My aim is to help you build not only a stronger singing voice, but also a more embodied, expressive, authentic and sustainable relationship with your instrument and yourself.
Looking forward to meeting and working with you,
Ayşe
Extra information
All i need from you as a teacher is your open mind and heart for exploring all your body is connecting with you through your voice and show up with all that is going on with you, not just the greatest things but everything. Vocal work has a lot to do with authenticity and authenticity has a lot to do with acceptance and understanding .
Location
Online from Turkey
About Me
I am a professional operatic mezzosoprano, an artistic/ scientific PhD candidate in Opera Performance at İstanbul University State Conservatory-researching on somatic integration into the classical vocal technique, a certified breathwork- bodywork trauma release practitioner, and a vocal instructor with more than 20 years of international artistic and pedagogical experience across Türkiye, the United States and Europe.
My musical training began at the age of 11 as a violin student at Bilkent University Conservatory alongside advanced music theory and solfege studies. I later completed my Bachelor of Music in Opera Performance at Hacettepe University Ankara State Conservatory and started my professional opera career at Ankara State Opera.
Following my first Young Artist Program in Florence, Italy, my artistic journey brought me to New York, Berlin and different opera houses and young artist programs across Europe and the United States. I performed with organizations including New York Lyric Opera, New York Vocal Productions, Opera North Resident Artist Program (U.S.A), İzmir State Opera and İstanbul State Opera.
Some of my performed roles include Carmen, Donna Elvira, Amneris, Cherubino, Angelina, Suor Angelica, Maddalena, Asteria, Zweite Dame, Barbarina, Tigrana, Lucretia and Preziosilla, alongside extensive recital, lied, concert and chorus repertoire including Verdi Requiem, Carmina Burana and Rossini Stabat Mater.
Throughout my artistic journey, I had the opportunity to study and receive coachings with internationally respected singers, vocal pedagogues and faculties connected to institutions such as The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, Mannes School of Music and Westminster Choir College, alongside distinguished opera professionals from Europe and the United States.
Some of the important teachers and pedagogues I had the chance to study and work with include Eralp Kıyıcı, Prof. Mustafa Yurdakul, Fügen Serbest, Prof. Güzin Gürel, Patricia McCaffrey, Prof. Laura Brooks Rice, Prof. Edith Bers, William Hicks, Klauss Salmann, Prof. David Jones, Chuck Hudson and John Norris.
I also participated actively in masterclasses and coachings with Prof. Julian Rodescu, Benita Valente, Prof. Helge Dorsch, Marco Baldieri, Prof. Antonio Marceno and Dolora Zajick.
Alongside my artistic career, I completed my Master of Music in Opera Performance at Başkent University State Conservatory with Erasmus studies at Musikhochschule Lübeck, focusing academically on dramatic and zwischenfach voices in opera. I am currently continuing my doctoral studies in Opera at İstanbul University State Conservatory.
Over the years, my work gradually evolved beyond traditional vocal pedagogy into a deeply somatic and interdisciplinary understanding of voice. My approach is grounded not only in conservatory education and professional stage experience, but also in years of personal embodied practice and certified somatic trainings.
After years of international performing experience, auditions, artistic struggles and deep work with my own voice, breath and body, I completed trainings in Biodynamic Breathwork Trauma Release, myofascial bodywork, active and passive meditation practices, expressive arts approaches and long-term embodiment practices including yoga and breathwork for performers.
My pedagogical background was also strongly influenced by medically-informed vocal pedagogy and healthy vocal function practices. Through years of training, performance experience and somatic work, I developed a deep understanding of tension-related vocal challenges, sustainable vocal coordination and recovery-oriented vocal practices for singers experiencing chronic tension, vocal fatigue or inefficient vocal habits.
My artistic work has also been recognized through awards in national and international opera competitions, including the Darclée Foundation Prize at the Hariclea Darclée International Voice Competition and 1st Prize at the Ankara Voice Association National Vocal Competition.
More important than achievements alone, I believe what allows me to guide singers today is that I have also experienced rejection, artistic uncertainty, vocal struggles and the emotional realities of a professional performing life myself. These experiences became an essential part of both my artistic and pedagogical journey, allowing me to approach my students not only with technical knowledge, but also with empathy, presence and a deeper understanding of the challenges that artistic growth and vocal development can bring. I believe such understanding is fundamental for sustainable artistic and personal growth.
My musical training began at the age of 11 as a violin student at Bilkent University Conservatory alongside advanced music theory and solfege studies. I later completed my Bachelor of Music in Opera Performance at Hacettepe University Ankara State Conservatory and started my professional opera career at Ankara State Opera.
Following my first Young Artist Program in Florence, Italy, my artistic journey brought me to New York, Berlin and different opera houses and young artist programs across Europe and the United States. I performed with organizations including New York Lyric Opera, New York Vocal Productions, Opera North Resident Artist Program (U.S.A), İzmir State Opera and İstanbul State Opera.
Some of my performed roles include Carmen, Donna Elvira, Amneris, Cherubino, Angelina, Suor Angelica, Maddalena, Asteria, Zweite Dame, Barbarina, Tigrana, Lucretia and Preziosilla, alongside extensive recital, lied, concert and chorus repertoire including Verdi Requiem, Carmina Burana and Rossini Stabat Mater.
Throughout my artistic journey, I had the opportunity to study and receive coachings with internationally respected singers, vocal pedagogues and faculties connected to institutions such as The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, Mannes School of Music and Westminster Choir College, alongside distinguished opera professionals from Europe and the United States.
Some of the important teachers and pedagogues I had the chance to study and work with include Eralp Kıyıcı, Prof. Mustafa Yurdakul, Fügen Serbest, Prof. Güzin Gürel, Patricia McCaffrey, Prof. Laura Brooks Rice, Prof. Edith Bers, William Hicks, Klauss Salmann, Prof. David Jones, Chuck Hudson and John Norris.
I also participated actively in masterclasses and coachings with Prof. Julian Rodescu, Benita Valente, Prof. Helge Dorsch, Marco Baldieri, Prof. Antonio Marceno and Dolora Zajick.
Alongside my artistic career, I completed my Master of Music in Opera Performance at Başkent University State Conservatory with Erasmus studies at Musikhochschule Lübeck, focusing academically on dramatic and zwischenfach voices in opera. I am currently continuing my doctoral studies in Opera at İstanbul University State Conservatory.
Over the years, my work gradually evolved beyond traditional vocal pedagogy into a deeply somatic and interdisciplinary understanding of voice. My approach is grounded not only in conservatory education and professional stage experience, but also in years of personal embodied practice and certified somatic trainings.
After years of international performing experience, auditions, artistic struggles and deep work with my own voice, breath and body, I completed trainings in Biodynamic Breathwork Trauma Release, myofascial bodywork, active and passive meditation practices, expressive arts approaches and long-term embodiment practices including yoga and breathwork for performers.
My pedagogical background was also strongly influenced by medically-informed vocal pedagogy and healthy vocal function practices. Through years of training, performance experience and somatic work, I developed a deep understanding of tension-related vocal challenges, sustainable vocal coordination and recovery-oriented vocal practices for singers experiencing chronic tension, vocal fatigue or inefficient vocal habits.
My artistic work has also been recognized through awards in national and international opera competitions, including the Darclée Foundation Prize at the Hariclea Darclée International Voice Competition and 1st Prize at the Ankara Voice Association National Vocal Competition.
More important than achievements alone, I believe what allows me to guide singers today is that I have also experienced rejection, artistic uncertainty, vocal struggles and the emotional realities of a professional performing life myself. These experiences became an essential part of both my artistic and pedagogical journey, allowing me to approach my students not only with technical knowledge, but also with empathy, presence and a deeper understanding of the challenges that artistic growth and vocal development can bring. I believe such understanding is fundamental for sustainable artistic and personal growth.
Education
B.M in Opera Performance - Hacettepe University Ankara State Conservatory, Türkiye
M.M in Opera Performance ( Scientific - Artistic) - Başkent University State Conservatory, Ankara , Türkiye ( Erasmus - Musikhochschule Lübeck, Germany)
Phd candidate - Opera Performance ( Scientific / Artistic) - İstanbul University State Conservatory, Türkiye
M.M in Opera Performance ( Scientific - Artistic) - Başkent University State Conservatory, Ankara , Türkiye ( Erasmus - Musikhochschule Lübeck, Germany)
Phd candidate - Opera Performance ( Scientific / Artistic) - İstanbul University State Conservatory, Türkiye
Experience / Qualifications
PERFORMANCE EXPERİENCE
G. VERDİ- AİDA- AMNERİS- Maccedonian State Opera and Ballet, Skopje, MACCEDONIA
G.VERDİ - AİDA- AMNERİS - İzmir State Opera and Ballet, İzmir, TÜRKİYE
G.VERDİ- La FORZA del DESTİNO- PREZİOSİLLA - İzmir State Opera and Ballet, İzmir, TÜRKİYE
W.A.MOZART - Die ZAUBERFLÖTE - Zweite Dame- İstanbul State Opera and Ballet, İstanbul, TÜRKİYE
E.DEMİREL - NİNATTA ( a modern Turkish opera premiere) - ARİNNA- İstanbul State Opera and Ballet, İstanbul, TÜRKİYE
A.VİVALDİ- BAJAZET - ASTERİA - İstanbul State Opera and Ballet, İstanbul, TÜRKİYE
W.A.MOZART - Le NOZZE di FİGARO - CHERUBİNO- Sint Walburgaerk Opera House, Brugge, BELGIUM ( as Intermezzo Foundation Elardo Young Artist)
G.PUCCİNİ- MANON LESCAUT- Un Musico- Ankara State Opera and Ballet, Ankara, TÜRKİYE
J.STRAUSS- Eine NACHT in VENEDIG - BARBARA - Ankara State Opera and Ballet, Ankara, TÜRKİYE
G.BİZET- CARMEN- CARMEN- New York Lyric Opera, NY, U.S.A
W.A.MOZART - DON GİOVANNİ - DONNA ELVİRA- New York Vocal Productions, NY, U.S.A
G.VERDİ- RİGOLETTO- MADDALENA- Carnegie Weill Hall debut- NY, U.S.A
G.PUCCİNİ - SUOR ANGELİCA - ANGELİCA - New York Lyric Opera - N.Y, U.S.A
G.PUCCİNİ- EDGAR - TİGRANA ( partially)- New Lebanon Opera House, N.H, U.S.A ( as Opera North Resident Artist)
G.ROSSİNİ- CENERENTOLA - ANGELİNA ( partial)- New Lebanon Opera House, N.H, U.S.A ( as Opera North Resident Artist)
B.BRİTTEN - The RAPE of LUCRETİA - LUCRETİA ( partial)- New Lebanon Opera House , N.H, U.S.A
ACADEMİC TEACHİNG EXPERİENCE
Vocal Faculty - İstanbul University State Conservatory - vocal instructor
SOMATIC TRAİNİNG
Biodynamic Breath Trauma Release Training
Myofascial Energy Release Massage Therapy
Osho active meditations and meditative therapies
years long yoga practices
G. VERDİ- AİDA- AMNERİS- Maccedonian State Opera and Ballet, Skopje, MACCEDONIA
G.VERDİ - AİDA- AMNERİS - İzmir State Opera and Ballet, İzmir, TÜRKİYE
G.VERDİ- La FORZA del DESTİNO- PREZİOSİLLA - İzmir State Opera and Ballet, İzmir, TÜRKİYE
W.A.MOZART - Die ZAUBERFLÖTE - Zweite Dame- İstanbul State Opera and Ballet, İstanbul, TÜRKİYE
E.DEMİREL - NİNATTA ( a modern Turkish opera premiere) - ARİNNA- İstanbul State Opera and Ballet, İstanbul, TÜRKİYE
A.VİVALDİ- BAJAZET - ASTERİA - İstanbul State Opera and Ballet, İstanbul, TÜRKİYE
W.A.MOZART - Le NOZZE di FİGARO - CHERUBİNO- Sint Walburgaerk Opera House, Brugge, BELGIUM ( as Intermezzo Foundation Elardo Young Artist)
G.PUCCİNİ- MANON LESCAUT- Un Musico- Ankara State Opera and Ballet, Ankara, TÜRKİYE
J.STRAUSS- Eine NACHT in VENEDIG - BARBARA - Ankara State Opera and Ballet, Ankara, TÜRKİYE
G.BİZET- CARMEN- CARMEN- New York Lyric Opera, NY, U.S.A
W.A.MOZART - DON GİOVANNİ - DONNA ELVİRA- New York Vocal Productions, NY, U.S.A
G.VERDİ- RİGOLETTO- MADDALENA- Carnegie Weill Hall debut- NY, U.S.A
G.PUCCİNİ - SUOR ANGELİCA - ANGELİCA - New York Lyric Opera - N.Y, U.S.A
G.PUCCİNİ- EDGAR - TİGRANA ( partially)- New Lebanon Opera House, N.H, U.S.A ( as Opera North Resident Artist)
G.ROSSİNİ- CENERENTOLA - ANGELİNA ( partial)- New Lebanon Opera House, N.H, U.S.A ( as Opera North Resident Artist)
B.BRİTTEN - The RAPE of LUCRETİA - LUCRETİA ( partial)- New Lebanon Opera House , N.H, U.S.A
ACADEMİC TEACHİNG EXPERİENCE
Vocal Faculty - İstanbul University State Conservatory - vocal instructor
SOMATIC TRAİNİNG
Biodynamic Breath Trauma Release Training
Myofascial Energy Release Massage Therapy
Osho active meditations and meditative therapies
years long yoga practices
Age
Children (7-12 years old)
Teenagers (13-17 years old)
Adults (18-64 years old)
Seniors (65+ years old)
Student level
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Duration
60 minutes
The class is taught in
English
Skills
Availability of a typical week
(GMT -04:00)
New York
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
00-04
04-08
08-12
12-16
16-20
20-24
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