Voice Lessons
"Those who wish to sing will always find a song."
~ Swedish Proverb
Brad Morrison
Brad Noffsinger-Morrison, dramatic baritone, is gaining recognition for his "commanding presence" and powerful singing as showcased in his recent debut as Wotan in Das Rheingold at the Wagner in Vermont festival. Additionally, his international debut as Marcello in La Bohéme with North Wales Opera earned him praise for the beauty and clarity of his sotto voce and mezzo voce. Brad looks forward to debuting the role of Michele in Il Tabarro and Alfio in Cavalleria Rusticana in the near future.
Brad's range has been on display in his many past roles, notably in contrasting portrayals of the treacherous Tonio and the passionate Silvio in I Pagliacci. Brad also adeptly embodies cunning wit in characters like Gianni Schicchi, Figaro in both Il Barbiere di Sivigliaand Le Nozze di Figaro, and Malatesta in Don Pasquale, while also excelling in portrayals of nobility such as Il Conte in Le Nozze di Figaroand Escamillo in Carmen, and even drunkards as the Pirate King in The Pirates of Penzance and Father in Hänsel und Gretel.
Brad is equally at home on the musical theater stage, excelling in portrayals of both the heroes and villains of Golden Age classics and modern musicals alike, namely Shrek! The Musical (Shrek), South Pacific (Emile de Becque), Oklahoma! (Jud), and many more.
An accomplished concert soloist, Brad continues to expand his repertoire, which encompasses numerous Mozart masses, Fauré’s Requiem, Bach’s Magnificat, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Handel’s Messiah, Haydn’s The Creation, and more.
In addition to his performing career, Brad maintains an active teaching schedule and is a founding member of Fox Valley Opera, where he serves as the Artistic Director. FVO's mission is to bring world-class operatic performances to the Fox Valley area in suburban Chicago.
Brad earned his undergraduate education at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, before completing a two-year Post-Baccalaureate Artist Residency with the College of Charleston in South Carolina. He continues his study under the tutelage of the respected dramatic baritone Michael Chioldi.
By the grace of God, Brad proudly resides in his hometown of St. Charles with his high school sweetheart Robin, their young son Thomas, and their cat Moana.
Abria Shaw
Abria Shaw is a current student at Northern Illinois University where she is pursuing a B.M. With an emphasis in Music Education and Vocal Performance. During her time at NIU she has studied choral conducting, has had K-12 clinical teaching experience, and has primarily studied classical singing.
She has enjoyed performing in collaborative ventures such as the New Music Festival at NIU and being a featured soloist in NIU’s Orchestra Sings concert in partnership with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra. During her sophomore year, Abria was one of four winners in NIU’s concerto competition and performed two arias with the NIU Philharmonic. Also, she sung the title role of Amelia in NIU’s Opera Theatre production of “Amelia Goes to the Ball” by Menotti.
Recently, Abria received a scholarship to go to England and sing with a choir compromised of NIU students and alumni at Exeter Cathedral.
Her passion for music education has led her to be president of NIU’s student chapter of NAfME (National Association for Music Educators) as well as her participation in Uniting Voices Chicago’s Future Music Educators Program where she has received training in culturally responsive teaching and professional development.
Abria strives to create a positive learning environment for students where they can explore their voice and try new things. In her lessons she prioritizes vocal health and technique by giving students the tools they need that suit their voice and goals.
Students can begin private voice lessons at age 7. For younger children, please check out "Da Capo Kids." These classes are a great way for young children to be introduced to music in a fun and engaging environment.