Claudia is an experienced and giving teacher. Her approach is totally consistent with that of the masters who teach at the famed Perry-Mansfield Song Interpretation Workshop (with Andrea Marcovicci) in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, which I attended last summer.
I learned so much from my brief time with you and your students—my ‘stories’ would not have been as ‘honest’ and ‘personal’ had I not spent those sessions with you. [Your students] are so lucky to have the opportunity to observe and learn from such an amazing performer and person.
Claudia has an amazing ability to act and sing at the same time—and to guide others in doing so. She has a deep understanding of how to combine words and music with charm and ease, which is more difficult that you might think, especially in classical music. On the top of this, Claudia is a wonderful person. For her, music, friendship and beauty are a way of life, a philosophy, and she excels at sharing these great values.
Thanks to all of you for co-creating what was really an unbelievably special night! It’s amazing how great it turned out. Everyone was at their best and lots of people commented to me how lucky we are to be a part of such a group. Our connections with each other, and our mutual support and respect came through even for people just watching the show. I do indeed feel very lucky to have found you all.
You allowed me to open up and acknowledge what I was feeling. ….Keep on challenging me, you don’t have to walk on eggshells around me. I can take it (no, really I can). I’m only allowed one meltdown a year; that takes a lot out of a girl. I have to concentrate on important things, like, what am I wearing for the show.
SongShop has been a great place to try new material and look at songs in a new way. Claudia is very skilled in asking the right questions of the participants to help them in really understanding and owning a song. I have also enjoyed the camaraderie of the other students in the class and the support we are able to give each other. Claudia also creates a safe environment which gives us freedom to explore and grow with a song and presentation. She has also created opportunities for us to perform in various venues and continue to gain performing experience.
I learned a great deal about making a song personal, how to have a physical presence on the stage, the importance of facial expression and becoming free and relaxed enough to use gestures when appropriate. Claudia offers honest criticism and valuable techniques for performance. … I highly recommend this class for anyone who wants the opportunity to work on any aspect of vocal performance in the presence of a supportive group of like-minded souls.
Having had strict vocal guidelines with classical teachers, Claudia was totally different in approach and style … I sensed very early on that I now would be getting the best of both worlds. Claudia opened me to a new realm of performance and lyrical interpretation. She helped me reach out into jazz literature in a bold, fresh approach. She worked on my posture, simplified my movements, and subscribed to expanded gestures where appropriate. A comprehensive understanding of the lyrics was essential. We were taught to observe: “What’s happening in the song?” “Are you portraying yourself?” “Are you singing to another?”
Her ability to communicate, her choice of words, and her respectful, compassionate way of dealing with our shortcomings are certainly her teaching strengths. Furthermore, she personally arranged for our opportunities to perform in public and considered that a crucial yardstick for measuring progress. … Any serious singer would benefit from a course of study with Claudia Hommel.
Claudia helps you look into the meaning of the lyric and find your authentic voice…what the song means for you, and how to help share that song with the audience. … Claudia creates a supportive environment which allows each of the singers to feel safe in taking risks. I highly recommend this class for singers of all levels.