Johanna Young  voice

"I believe that all people can sing. It is important for me to not only teach fundamental technique, but also to establish a relationship with each student."

• Studies at Universität fur Musik, Vienna, Austria
• B.A., Wake Forest University

Johanna began singing at the age of five in church choirs in Fayetteville, North Carolina where she was born and raised. "I played violin and piano from an early age but I chose to focus on singing because I felt it was the strongest and most immediate way to communicate with people. The use of text and language gives so much life to music." She grew up in a musical family with a mother who is an elementary school teacher, organist, and soprano and her sister is a professional violinist also living in New York. "From a very early age we were spending countless nights in the living room performing Disney tunes for each other."

Johanna focuses on making music fun and lessons enjoyable. "I believe that all people can sing. It is important for me to not only teach fundamental technique, but also to establish a relationship with each student." Johanna is open to teaching students of all ages from young kids through adults.

"I love opera, especially Verdi and Wagner" says Johanna of her favorite composers and musical styles. She also enjoys the arts songs of Schubert and Strauss and music of Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein. Johanna is open to teaching contemporary music as well and especially likes Adele, Beyonce, and the rock group muse.

Performing staged opera is Johanna's favorite genre. "You have the chance to transform into a completely different person, a character from another time with different behaviors, thoughts, and emotions than yourself. It's the opportunity to make a character three-dimensional." Johanna also enjoys dancing and takes Modern and West African dance classes at Alvin Ailey. "I love to read and also love to run, especially races in Central Park."