Somatically Informed Singing Lessons from an Opera Performance Phd candidate, an international mezzosoprano& certified somatic practitioner.Translate this text using Google Translate.
Somatically Informed Singing Lessons from an Opera Performance Phd candidate, an international mezzosoprano& certified somatic practitioner.Translate this text using Google Translate.
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