Jennifer Barrett
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Jennifer Barrett is an accomplished mezzo-soprano, voice educator, and opera director based in the Chicago area. She holds degrees in Vocal Music Education and Vocal Pedagogy and has completed advanced studies in Singing Voice Therapy and the Estill Voice Method. Jennifer has performed with numerous Chicago opera companies, including Third Eye Theater Ensemble, New Moon Opera, and Thompson Street Opera, earning critical acclaim for her expressive portrayals in both classical and contemporary works.
In addition to her performance career, Jennifer is a respected voice teacher with 25 years of experience. She serves on the voice faculty at North Central College, teaches privately from her home studio, and is active as a stage director for collegiate opera productions. Passionate about both vocal technique and artistic storytelling, Jennifer is dedicated to helping singers develop healthy, versatile voices for classical and musical theatre performance. |
Maggie Blackburn
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Maggie Blackburn is a professional soprano and recent graduate of the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where she earned both her Master’s Degree and Performer Diploma in Vocal Performance. She has performed leading roles in Patience, West Side Story, Dialogues of the Carmelites, L’elisir d’amore, and La Rondine, and has appeared as a soloist in major concert works including Fauré’s Requiem.
Maggie is the recipient of multiple performance awards and scholarships and was a finalist in the New York Lyric Opera National Competition. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Illinois and has performed nationally and abroad in professional summer opera programs. With a strong foundation in both operatic and musical theatre repertoire, Maggie brings a fresh, encouraging, and technically informed approach to her voice students. |
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Marie Groh
Email: [email protected]
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Marie Groh is a seasoned performer and voice teacher with over 20 years of professional experience in the Chicago area. A graduate of Millikin University with a BFA in Musical Theatre, she has performed leading roles at major regional theaters including Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Drury Lane, Porchlight Music Theatre, and Music Theatre of Wichita. Her favorite roles include Maria in West Side Story, Aldonza in Man of La Mancha, and Donna in Mamma Mia.
In addition to her stage career, Marie is an accomplished vocal director and educator. She has directed and music-directed productions for theaters, schools, and community programs, and previously taught private and group voice at The School of Performing Arts. She is also a vocal clinician for the Indian Prairie district and a longtime member of professional caroling and jazz ensembles. Marie brings a wealth of real-world performance experience to her teaching and is passionate about helping students grow in technical skill, confidence, and expressive artistry. |
 Contact info:
Cell: 815-258-8208 Email: [email protected] |
Jeff Ray
Jeffrey Ray is an acclaimed baritone and sought-after voice teacher known for his warm, expressive singing and outstanding results with students. A graduate of DePaul University and the Manhattan School of Music, he began his career with the Lyric Opera of Chicago and has performed nationally and internationally in leading roles such as Don Giovanni, Figaro, and Marcello. He has appeared at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, the Ravinia Festival, and opera houses across Europe.
Mr. Ray serves on the voice faculties at DePaul University and the University of Chicago, where he received the Excellence in Teaching Award. His students have gone on to attend top conservatories such as Juilliard and Indiana University and perform with major opera houses, Broadway productions, and national tours. In addition to his stage work, Mr. Ray is frequently invited to give masterclasses and clinics and is a regular soloist for major concert works and church music ministries. He lives in Plainfield with his family and is also known locally for singing the National Anthem for Chicago’s professional sports teams. |