Teacher

Nadia Smelser is a premier professional singer and voice teacher whose diverse career truly defines the phrase “from Bach to Rock”. Her flexible command of technique and vibrant vocal tone allow her to sing and teach a wide variety of musical styles. Nadia holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Vocal Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. In addition to teaching Voice at Orange Coast College, she was a Lecturer in Voice at the University of California, Irvine, taught at Fullerton College and Cypress College, and directed the Mater Dei High School Vocal Conservatory. Nadia runs a busy private vocal studio, teaching students online from around the country, and writes a popular blog for singers, www.singingvoicesuccess.comTM.

Nadia has appeared on PBS, CNN, National Public Radio, Classic Arts Showcase, Hour of Power, E! Entertainment Network, and the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon, among many other classical and commercial music performances. She was a soloist with prestigious groups such as I Cantori, Pacific Chorale, and the internationally acclaimed Carmel Bach Festival, and was invited to tour nationally with Anonymous Four in the “Voices of Light” tour for Columbia Artists. In addition to her classical oratorio performances, Nadia currently sings with her own jazz group, Starlight Jazz Quartet. As a studio singer for demos and backing vocals, her unusual recordings include the theme song and musical sequences for L.A.'s "Mark and Brian" morning show, and the "America's Funniest Home Videos" CD-Rom home game.

Nadia is in demand as an adjudicator at regional vocal competitions and as an expert presenting workshops on vocal health. Her students frequently win college scholarships and singing competitions, as well as professional positions in both classical and commercial music settings.