with
Voice
A leading authority on voice, both in the singing and speaking fields. Let Raquela help you discover confidence by finding your hidden notes and tones with effortless strength!
Making Singers Since 1999
Raquela
Home of ElkGroveSings.com
Who is
Raquela ?
ElkGroveSings.com is home to "VOICE with Raquela". Award winning singer/Actress, Raquela Burt is one of Northern California's most sought-after professional voice teachers, yet you will find her teaching from her small humble home, located in the greater Old Elk Grove area. She has been seen with huge stars on the Broadway stage that included Cloris Leachman, Kristin Chenoweth, Norm Lewis, Mandy Patinkin, Billy Porter (to mention just a few), and during her 20-year stint on the New York stage, she had the privilege of working with legendary composers like Steven Schwartz, Steven Sondheim, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Laurence O'Keefe, Jason Robert Brown and so many more that simply can't fit in here. She was seen on Broadway playing leading roles such as the ‘Gypsy-Acid Queen’ in The Who's TOMMY (On B-Way 1995 & S. Amer. Tour 1997) and ‘Julie’ in the original revival of SHOW BOAT (Closed on B'Way & Tour with Tom Bosely Cast 1998), and she originated roles in the Off-Broadway hit, BAT BOY-THE MUSICAL. (AWARDS: Lucille Lortel, Richard Rodgers & Outer Critics Circle)
In 2011, Raquela was listed in Wikipedia as the “BEST VOCAL COVER TRACK EVER” by Taylor Dayne herself, for Raquela’s remake of Taylor’s 1987 classic hit, TELL IT TO MY HEART. This classic cover charted the TOP 40 Dance tracks of the year (2011) and it beat out Raquela's personal best of charting for more than 25 weeks straight. The track continues to be heard all over the world today. Here's a little more "Raquela trivia" for you; Because of some brief history together, Raquela was given a special opportunity to open for Lady Gaga!
Currently, Raquela teaches from home, full time, privately. Using her training in Bel Canto to CVT (Complete Vocal Technique), she teaches a timeless technique organically and with a fresh twist that enables her to work with singers of all skill levels, ages, backgrounds and genres.
Even if you have never sung before or think you have no talent for singing, you CAN! EVERYONE needs to learn to sing! Yes, there are those who were born to sing and that gift should be guided consistently and cautiously, but on hindsight, EVERYONE should learn to sing no matter what. It’s like... everyone should get a good night’s sleep, get regular exercise, eat healthy and.... sing regularly! These are all a part of having a full and healthy happy life. Learning to sing is not only about singing scales... yes, you read that correctly. Give Raquela the opportunity to teach you her secrets and technique and you'll see what we mean. It's all about finding your "inner child" and confidence within.
So, what do you say? Come on over! Let's get started!
Growing up, I had the great privileged of being trained by my father who passed down everything he knew about being a great singer and performer. During the 80's, I was later given a full Opera scholarship, all expenses paid, including board and room and books. I was heavily studying the "Bel Canto" technique at Biola University where many renowned Opera stars came from. Unfortunately, I became depressed and withdrawn after my third year there because it was Musical Theatre that I truly desired. During that same time, there were some people in Europe starting a brand new vocal technique called "CVT" (The Complete Vocal Technique).
Around 1985, I started competing in some local Miss America pageants in hopes to find a new source of scholarship in order to transfer to a University of my choice. It worked and I was able to study CVT at University of California Irvine where I worked my way to a double BFA in Theatre and Music. Soon after, I found my way to New York where I got to play leading roles on Broadway and teach voice privately at the same time. Sometimes I felt I learned more from my students then I did back in school.
"I know I can sing, but I need to learn HOW to sing."
This is what someone wrote to me when she was first inquiring about lessons. Her statement is a reflection of the attitude that I appreciate most in my students because it means that they are on the right track in their thinking and in their approach to learning.
It's the "how" of singing - how the voice works, how to make it work and how to keep it working - that is the most important factor in successfully developing the voice and in keeping it healthy....
What is the
"Raquela Method"?
Quick Bulletin Updates:
Always wash your hands upon entering Raquela's home
Birthdays, anniversaries, etc. are no longer accepted for reasons to cancel. Remember, this is what Raquela does for a living. Always ask to reschedule within the same week.
PAYMENT POLICY
Pay on day of your lesson and just before your lesson hour begins. (Zelle is accepted. But if paying by Venmo, add $3 for service fee. Or pay via the "Book Online/RATES" page.)
You may use the booking service here to book your lesson, but if you find you need more options, please TEXT Raquela instead.
Voice with Raquela
International
AKA. VOICE with Raquela "REMOTE"
Since the new and improved ZOOM Conference App has taken over, Raquela has been given more freedom to reach out to English speaking students all over the USA and the world. Be sure to check if your country is eligible and then book a lesson with Raquela today!
ZOOM International
Raquela is a proud member of NATS
HOURS
Raquela is available on Mondays through Thursdays.
12pm-7pm (Subject to change)
Sign up today and lets sing!!!
REMEMBER: First-come, first-serve!
*Seeking serious students only.
