About my studio:

As a teacher, I seek to inspire joy and confidence as well as a beautiful vocal tone in my voice students. I work primarily with teen and adult singers in musical theatre, classical and pop styles. Many of my students are navigating auditions, voice changes, and confidence, and benefit from individualized vocal support beyond what school programs can offer. I occasionally accept motivated younger students when it is a strong fit.

Lessons focus on:
• Building healthy, confident vocal technique
• Developing musicality and expressive storytelling with individualized creativity.
• Supporting auditions and performances
• Creating a space where students feel comfortable growing and trying new things

I offer:
• Weekly or flexible lesson scheduling, in-person and via Zoom.
• Help choosing great repertoire (auditions, concerts, just for fun)
• Performance opportunities throughout the year
• A warm, encouraging studio community of many talents, ages and interests.

About me:

After performing as an opera singer in New York and teaching voice for over 20 years both in academia and in her private studio, Colleen O’Shaughnessy Pollack is thrilled to be back working in her home state of Minnesota. During the last few seasons, Ms. O'Shaughnessy has performed regionally with the Minnesota Opera, Skylark Opera Theater, Journey North Opera Company, Thursday Musical, the St. John’s Music Series, Garden of Song Opera, and Twin Cities Opera on Tap. She has been the soprano soloist with the Holy Childhood Schola, covered Micaela in Carmen for the Lakes Area Music Festival and appeared as Madame Larina in Skylark Opera's Eugene Onegin. She was also a proud recipient of an Artists Respond grant from Springboard for the Arts for her outstanding outreach video singing work during the pandemic with Alzheimer's patients. During her time on the East Coast, Ms. O’Shaughnessy performed with numerous ensembles, including the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra, Hartford Opera Theatre, Empire Opera, Opera Company of Brooklyn, Apollo Opera and the Schubert Club of Connecticut. 

Ms. O’Shaughnessy is currently on the teaching staff at Visitation School and Mt. Olivet School of Music and Arts. She has had numerous former students go on to have successful Broadway careers and work for regional opera houses, get hired to work in the Hollywood recording industry, and enter into professional music ministry. Ms. O’Shaughnessy holds a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Boston University, a B.A. in Vocal Music Education from St. Olaf College and additional training at Young Artist Programs with Lyric Opera Studio Weimar (Germany) and OperaWorks (California).

Besides her passion for performing, Ms. O’Shaughnessy believes in creating community and cultivating opera talent within her local artist network. She is the Co-founder, Board President and previous Executive Director of Opera Reading Project, a rapidly growing and indispensable opera role reading series and professional development resource for Minnesota’s classical singers. Besides music, she also enjoys spending time with her family, teaching and taking Pilates, and chasing after her absolutely cute and wiggly pug, Polly.

Pricing and scheduling is available upon request. Let’s work together to find an option that fits your musical, time and financial needs.