What students say

It is with great pleasure that I spend a week each summer at Neil
Semer's institute. I have attended his summer program the past three
years and look forward to it each year as a time to really focus on my
technique, my performance goals, speak a little German, prepare my
arias/roles for the next few months, catch up with his other students,
singers from all over the world whom I haven't seen for a year.

This year the course was especially well-timed for me as I planned to
participate in the Concours International de Chant de Marmande in the
south of France three days after the institute. This competition
typically hosts 200 singers from 20 countries in three categories:
French mélodie, operetta and opera. I don't participate in many
competitions because I feel that the winners are typically coloraturas
or dramatic voices. I decided to register for this one though because
it was taking place right after my week with Neil.

During the week in Aub, I was able to work all of my arias in
masterclass, coach them, re-work two of them in dress rehearsals and
perform them in the concerts. I left the institute feeling confident,
prepared and eager to perform in Marmande. While everything was in
place vocally, I feel that what is even more crucial for me in
competitions is my mental state - the calm that allows me to release
anxiety, questioning and criticism so that I can perform. Working with
Neil Semer has shown me how to access that serenity so I can
communicate, make music, create, be.

First the first time in my life, I won first prize. It was a thrill
and an honor to win an operetta competition in a foreign country. The
ability to really communicate was paramount and that was a direct
result of the preparation during the institute.

Elisa Doughty, Paris
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"I couldn't have anticipated how much I would learn, how different singing would become and how wonderful an experience it would really be"
Catherine Sayers, Canada
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"I feel touched and encouraged to grow and develop on so many levels of my personality- emotionally, spiritually, artistically"
Johannes Hitzblech, Germany
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"You revealed for me at last, what deep inside I always thought singing should be."
Max Wagner, Germany
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"What a shot in the arm it was to experience what you have to offer as a voice teacher. I am totally jazzed. Your completely positive attitude was infectious and my enthusuasm for all things vocal is rekindled. I sang with more joy and freedom than I have experienced before. SOMETHING has definitely happened!"
Hilary Fisher, England