LESSONS
Private, In Person Lessons — Online Content and Courses — Personalized Feedback and Guidance
Let’s work together
Thank you for your interest in working with me. I run a private voice and music studio teaching popular, musical theatre, and classical singing styles in Peterborough, Ontario. I am a working professional in the industry, and I’d love to help you achieve your goals—whatever they may be!
All ages and levels are welcome from all musical backgrounds!
-
Discover all that your voice can do! In person or online.
I teach contemporary and classical vocal techniques, covering genres from pop and rock to musical theatre and opera. Lessons are spent working on vocal technique and repertoire in a one-on-one setting, where we will work towards your singing goals in a supportive and fun environment. I believe in creating a positive, safe space to work and create, and promote musicianship and technique in lessons, encouraging healthy singing that is free of tension, grounded, and truthful—no matter the singing style.
I am able to prepare you for The Royal Conservatory of Music exams, competitions such as the Kiwanis Music Festival, any upcoming auditions you may have, and for post-secondary music and theatre programs. Past students are currently working in the industry and are at the top schools in Canada for music and theatre.
In-person lessons are taught in Peterborough, Ontario, but we can connect from anywhere in the world over Zoom!There are two streams available: Weekly Lessons and Casual Lessons.
-
There are so many ways to learn and grow! The Studio Shop provides you with more flexibility but still gives you the option for one-on-one guidance. Sign up for a course, download a quick guide, receive personalized feedback, or get help in preparing for an upcoming audition.
At a price point that is more accessible than private voice lessons, head on over to The Studio Shop and let’s start working together!
-
Join the MEMBERS ONLY ONLINE STUDIO, and see just how far you can go! This is the place to train, grow and discover your voice. From audio exercises to video classes, series and monthly check-ins, you can now learn at your own pace. And when you’re ready, be a part of a community of singers who are here to cheer you on.
The Members Only Online Studio offers incredible value so that singing lessons can truly be experienced by all. It is a wonderful tool for those who are new to singing, those who are advanced and looking for a challenge, and for those who take lessons with me already but want to include a flexible component to their learning.
And with the Singers PLUS Membership, we will work together every month so that you can receive personalized feedback to keep you on track and guide you as you practice.
You can’t find this anywhere else, and it all costs less than one private lesson a month! So join me, invest in yourself, and let’s have some fun.
-
Feel grounded and confident in your next audition!
Whether you’re auditioning for a community theatre production, or preparing for University & College auditions, let’s get you ready and feeling great! Students have gone on to study music, performance and theatre at the best schools across Canada.
We can prepare you for upcoming auditions in our private lessons together, or head to The Studio Shop to receive personalized feedback, take a course or download a quick guide that was created to help you feel confident, prepared and ready for your next audition!
-
Learn how to read music, understand complex harmonies, and so much more!
Music theory and harmony classes are offered to those who wish to take The Royal Conservatory of Music exams, audition for post-secondary music programs, and to those who simply would like to have a greater understanding in their approach to music. These classes are also great for songwriters! A deeper understanding of theory and harmony gives you the ability to take your creativity to the next level, with more options available to you to express and explore. Learning how to create exciting harmonic progressions and how to structure your phrases and songs are just some of the topics we can cover together.
Musicianship skills includes the ability to sight sing, sight read rhythm, hear and sing intervals, understand and orate complex rhythms, and more. They are a key, but an often overlooked aspect of the developing musician. If you are preparing for an exam, or are auditioning for post-secondary musical education, this is the class for you!
-
Perform! Take an exam! Participate in a festival!
When you take private lessons with me, there’s always an opportunity to perform. Whether you participate in our yearly studio recital, take a Royal Conservatory of Music exam, or perform at the Kiwanis Music Festival, there are lots of opportunities to sing, learn, and to practice the art of performance!
Voice Lessons
All voice lessons are taught in a one-on-one setting. We spend our lessons working on vocal technique and applying that technique to your repertoire in a fun, supportive and respectful environment. There are two options available: weekly lessons and casual lessons.
Weekly Lessons
Weekly lessons allow you to really hone in on your voice and technique, finding progress and growth as we build upon your skills week after week! They are held between the hours of 10:00am-6:30pm, Monday through Friday, and the year is divided into three sessions: Fall, Winter and Spring. Singers will have a regular, weekly time slot for the entirety of all three sessions, and a commitment to the full school year is required.
Weekly lessons are in high demand. Reach out to learn more or to be placed on the waitlist!
Casual Lessons
Casual lessons take place on weekdays between the hours of 10:00am-6:30pm, and the availability of these lessons change month to month. They provide a great option for singers who are either on the waitlist for weekly lessons, are new to lessons and want to see what it’s all about, or for singers who require more flexibility than weekly lessons provide. I make sure to reserve at least a few hours a week for casual lesson students so that there are lots of opportunities to work with me!
To be a part of casual lessons, please reach out so that you can be placed on the mailing list. I send out a monthly email with my upcoming availability for the following month, and you can sign up for as many or as few lessons as you'd like—it's that easy!
The Online Studio
If you’re not quite ready to try out a private lesson, or if you are looking for more flexibility with the way you learn (and your wallet!), head on over to The Studio Shop and the Members Only Online Studio!
With online learning, you can still receive personalized feedback and guidance, as well as dive into exercises and content that is geared specifically towards your goals.
Pro tip: Singers who take casual lessons are loving the hybrid option of both private lessons and also learning through the Membership Only Online Studio’s available courses and content.
Did you know?
You don't have to want to become a singer to take lessons! Did you know that lessons are a great way to gain confidence, become more comfortable in both your body and voice, and that lessons can provide you with a creative outlet that is not always offered in schools or through your line of work?
I’ve had singers come in for lessons to work on projecting their voice so that they can be heard in business presentations, or to learn how to speak without feeling vocal fatigue or strain at the end of the day (school teachers . . . I'm looking at you!!). One of my favourite success stories is a young singer who was too shy to speak to her teacher at school. But after a year of lessons, she was able to finish her Grade 7 year by giving a presentation to her teacher thanks to the skills she learned in her lessons. How awesome is that?!
What voice lessons can do for you
*
What voice lessons can do for you *
Strengthen your voice and your power
Find vocal freedom and ease
Expand your range
Build stamina in a sustainable way
Strengthen your registers including your belt
Improve breath efficiency and control
Develop musicality and style in a playful way
Develop vocal versatility
Learn vocal health and sustainable vocal sounds
Enhance your natural tone and timbre
My job is to guide you as you discover and access all of the incredible sounds you’re already capable of making — you just haven’t found them yet.
COMING SOON
☆
COMING SOON ☆
Join the Members Only Studio
Get anytime access to a growing collection of vocal exercises, video classes, programs, and exclusive content. And when you're ready, be a part of a community of singers who are here to cheer you on. With a 30 day money back guarantee, why not invest in yourself and your voice? You can pay month to month, or, sign up for a full year and save on TWO payments!
Premium Membership
Not only does this plan includes all of the great content you have access to in the Singers Subscription, but you will also receive personalized feedback, tips and guidance every month. Enjoy the flexibility of learning at your own pace, with no need for scheduling or commuting to the studio. At less than the cost of one private lesson a month, and with a 30 day money back guarantee, invest in yourself and your voice! Go month to month, or, sign up for a full year and save on TWO payments!
Popular
If you like reading, you could always check out even MORE of what people have to say…
“Shannon has been my daughter’s teacher for several years now. We have chosen her due to her level of experience, extensive knowledge and professional accomplishments. I am always amazed at what comes out of the lessons. My daughter’s growth, thanks to Shannon’s work with her, has been remarkable. She wishes to pursue her own future in Musical Theatre and I know with Shannon’s level of commitment to her students to reach their own potential, and her excitement in seeing them succeed, this is a real possibility.”
— Stephanie Harwood-Jones, Parent
“There are those who are outstanding in their fields and Shannon McCracken is definitely at the top! Shannon’s ability to teach with a comfortable style and grace compares to no others. Our child has grown both in vocal and theory with ease. Shannon is not only a teacher but has become a wonderful mentor to our daughter. Thank you Shannon!”
— The Marks Family
“Shannon McCracken has been providing professional vocal training lessons to my eleven year old daughter, Jillian, for the past two and a half years.
Almost immediately, Jillian expressed a passion for vocal training, and both her and myself (Jillian’s mom!) can easily attest that this love for singing is a result of Shannon’s knowledge, enthusiasm, structured (yet, super fun) lessons and vast expertise. She has made singing such a positive experience for my daughter.
Shannon has also been an amazing advocate for Jillian’s vocal cord health and integrity. Jillian has a past history of developing vocal cord nodules, and it was Shannon who initially expressed concerns over Jillian’s voice. Jillian was subsequently referred to, and received specialized care with an ENT specialist and a Speech Language Pathologist, and has since been able to restart training under the continued guidance of Shannon.
We highly recommend Shannon McCracken for vocal lessons. She is dedicated, enthusiastic, extremely knowledgeable and passionate about vocal training. :)”
— Emily Urie, parent
“Because of her academic accomplishments and professional credentials, my wife and I invited Shannon to play a role in the life of our daughter. This decision has proven to be wise on every level. Recently I thought I would “give it a shot” again. Shannon squeezed me in to help me prepare for a musical I was auditioning for locally. I’m 52 and haven’t sang in front of anybody outside of my . . . well anybody since high school. Shannon had me belting it out, enhancing my body language and having a ball, within minutes. Shannon McCracken is an excellent person and a consummate professional. She is a credit to the arts.
— Joseph Rudkins, Parent and Singer
“I moved from Toronto to Peterborough two years ago, and it took me a while to look for a conscientious music teacher, until I met Shannon last year. I like working with Shannon. She is amiable and able to teach in a friendly and comfortable style. She has various inspirations to help me in overcoming difficult tasks, so that I can sing with confidence and ease. I truly appreciate Shannon!”
— Shui Chun Ko, Singer
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my voice lessons with Shannon. She always creates a positive environment that promotes fearless exploration and learning. Shannon has a wealth of knowledge and is eager to share that knowledge with her students. Not only does she work with students on vocal technique and theory, but she also offers valuable insight into their performing skills. With Shannon’s help I always feel well prepared for performances and auditions. Working with Shannon has definitely helped my vocal ability and technical skills, but more importantly it has given me confidence in my voice. She is dedicated to helping her students succeed and genuinely cares about, and celebrates, their progress. I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Shannon.”
— Emily Templeman, singer
“I absolutely loved working with Shannon! I found that she was incredibly attentive to my learning style and if I was not grasping something one way she would try a different way to help me understand the idea. Shannon was very patient and always found a way to make the challenging tasks fun!”
— Sarah, Wilfrid Laurier University Student