Teaching

Elise teaches private voice lessons to children, high school students and adults in her private studio in Chicago’s Logan Square. She is focused on creating a comfortable music-making environment so that students can explore their potential at a pace that matches their goals.

For a full description of her education and musical experience, see her BIO page. Scroll down to read about her educational work with the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Email Elise if you are interested in studying private voice.

Parent, Child and Teacher Testimonials

“After singing with Elise for just six months, my daughter gained tremendous confidence for her college music auditions. She grew in musicality, expanded her repertoire and was encouraged to challenge herself in new and exciting ways. She thoroughly enjoyed Elise’s teaching style and received insightful advice about the vocal audition process. We wholeheartedly recommend Elise as a voice teacher.” Pam ~ mother of a high school student
“When I came to Elise, I had no confidence in my singing ability.  Not only did she build up my confidence, but she strengthened my voice.  I learned so much from her about not only my vocal technique, but also about how to act, how to audition, and how to be the strongest performer I can be.  Elise helped me grow in ways that my previous voice teacher did not, and I wish she had not moved away [from St. Louis] and could still teach me!” Abbey ~ private high school student 
“Before singing with Elise I had never sang in front of another person.  Elise helped me find the joy and the technique of singing.  It is an incredibly powerful combination. I am so grateful to learn from her.” Dehra ~ private adult student
“As a former student of Elise, I am a huge fan of hers as a teacher and an artist. She brings dynamism and a depth of experience to each lesson she teaches, and works with each student as an individual to achieve their personal best. She has had a huge impact on me as a musician and as a person, and I am confident that she will have a similar impact on any student!” Ani ~ St. Louis University student”

Lyric Opera of Chicago

Elise is a teaching artist for the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s in-school residencies.  For more information about bringing Lyric to your school, visit the website here: Lyric Unlimited

Fry Foundation
Lloyd A. Fry Foundation 2015 Annual Report

“Carmen and the Bull”

Elise smooshed together the story of Ferdinand the Bull and the music of Bizet’s Carmen to tell a new story about being true to yourself. Young audiences loved performances by Union Avenue Opera in St. Louis for years, and then again with Chicago Opera Playhouse in the Midwest.  For more information about producing the piece for your school or community center, contact Elise.

Chicago Opera Playhouse Presents: Carmen and the Bull from Elise LaBarge on Vimeo.

Soprano | Teaching Artist