My name is Irene Hoogveld, a soprano and currently studying with Claudia Patacca at the ArtEZ Conservatorium, Institute of the Art, in Holland. I first met Claudia at a recital where she sung herself. I was drawn to Claudia because of her enthusiasm, passion and clear messages in her singing. When I discovered she applies these qualities in her teaching too, I was convinced she could really help me improve as a singer. Claudia not only works with me on range, quality of tone and finding the most natural way for the voice to flow, she also teaches me how to perform on concertante and operatic stages. She shows me how to create a full interpretation while following my own artistic instincts, guiding me in becoming a complete singer. Every lesson is concentrated, fruitful and gives me inspiration. In Claudia, I found an energetic, positive and skillful teacher who is not afraid to challenge me in the best ways possible.
Irene Hoogveld
My name is Raoni Hübner, and I have studied with the tenor Amand Hekkers at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. It was indeed a wonderful experience; Amand is a great teacher, and especially as a tenor I have to say I could develop a lot under his tuition. His work in technique and mainly in the freedom of the voice helped me to work on my issues and also to even my register. I believe Mr. Hekkers is one of the most complete teachers I have had during the whole of my studies.
Raoni Hübner
My name is Mélanie Brilman. I’m a Dutch mezzo-soprano. I have been studying with Claudia Patacca for 5 years during the pre-course and bachelor of the ArtEZ Institute of Art. As a teacher I admire her because of her educational skills. Claudia creates an atmosphere in which it’s safe to be yourself. She has the ability to recognize technical problems, help you understand them yourself, and lead the way to making progress, step by step.
Mélanie Brilman
I am Kieran, a 25-year-old tenor, and I have had the pleasure of being taught by Amand Hekkers at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland for 3 years. He has a very attentive teaching method and has taught me how to better my practice outside of lessons. Amand is not only a fantastic teacher but a very caring and generous man — he will always have a smile on his face.
Kieran
I am Magnus Schou Vassbotn, and so happy that I went to the first masterclass with Amand Hekkers in March 2014. Since then I have followed three masterclasses with him, and I really feel it has helped me develop a more legato and natural sound, with more light. You have really made me believe I can grow into the verismo repertoire, taught me to sing the heavier repertoire with a more lyrical, bel canto input.
Magnus Schou Vassbotn
My name is Stella Louise Göke (soprano) from Germany. The moment I came to Claudia Patacca as a singing student was maybe during the worst period of my singing career so far. Claudia immediately knew how to teach me the right way. She never gave up on me, and I learned to trust my vocal technique again. My voice developed so much under her teaching. (Stella has won the Grand Prix d’Alliance Française 2015.)
Stella Louise Göke