MONIKA C.

Monika has been singing for over 15 years, ever since she was a little girl. However, she started to take private lessons early on in middle school when she realized singing was her passion. For the past 9 years Monika has been training her voice classically and professionally studying opera at DePaul University. Through Monika's own experience singing in the music business, studying ear training and music theory, and placing in international competitions, she wants to help you achieve your personal goals as a musician! Recently, in November 2020 Monika received first place in the Charleston International Romantic Music Competition. In February 2020, Monika received second place in a collegiate voice competition for undergraduate students called the "Fox Valley Orchestra Collegiate Voice Competition". Then in 2018, she was one of seven competing finalists for a national vocal competition called "The American Prize in Vocal Performance and Virginia Schorr Memorial Award-High School Art Song and Oratorio Division." At DePaul University Monika has worked with opera director, Harry Silverstein, for a production of Hansel and Gretel where she was a choir member. Furthermore at DePaul University, she is a member of the Chamber Choir where she was featured as a soloist during the 2019 winter concert and 2020 winter concert. This summer Monika was to perform in Aquilon Music Festivals opera production of Cosi fan tutte and Haymarket Opera Company's program called "Monteverdiana", performing scenes from Orfeo & Ulisse, Poppea, and other theatrical works. However, both were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the pandemic, Monika was still able to study the role of Zerlina through Chicago Summer Opera's Virtual Academy while also partaking in Colorado's virtual Steamboat Opera program this summer! On the side, Monika cantors at many religious occasions; such as Sunday mass, holiday celebrations, weddings, funerals, communions, confirmations, etc. at multiple churches such as Techny Towers Holy Spirit Chapel, St. Thomas of Villanova, Transfiguration Polish Catholic Church, St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, and Church of Divine Mercy. The musical and academic success of Monika's students is her number one priority! Each person's voice is unique and special to them, no one else has the voice that YOU have; therefore, Monika approaches each and every student differently by tailoring a very personal and individual lesson plan for each of her students. Monika takes a very holistic approach and encourages her students to use their whole body when singing to maintain a healthy instrument.