In an industry with so much conflicting advice and information, it is vital to find a mentor who can guide you through unpredictable situations. It is Mary-Mitchell's mission to not only improve a student’s knowledge and ability in the specific area of focus but to help them speak from their authentic voice and bring their unique point of view to the table. If you are interested in working with Mary-Mitchell, check out the options below.
In line with Mary-Mitchell’s mission to make Arts Education accessible to all, her coaching and consulting does include sliding scale rates for those with financial hardship.
For Stage & Concert Performers
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Vocal Coaching
Vocal Coaching benefits us all, from the seasoned professional looking for a challenge to someone just getting comfortable with the idea of publicly singing. We are never done with learning, and coaching allows us to improve technique and skill in a supportive environment. Building stamina and using a healthy and sustainable technique will allow for longevity and create an effortless sound. Mary-Mitchell offers patient instruction focused on health and foundational learning, with a thorough understanding of vocal pedagogy and the needs of today’s performers.
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Audition Coaching
Having sat behind the table for countless Broadway show auditions and having watched innumerable self-tapes, Mary-Mitchell knows what makes an audition work and what doesn't. Her approach focuses on making the material work to show off your unique strengths. Coaching with Mary-Mitchell provides invaluable insight that guides you to be ready to walk into an audition room or press record.
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Building a Book
One of the hardest things for a performer to do is to build a great audition book. Finding a collection of songs that fulfill various audition requirements can be a challenge. Mary-Mitchell is ready to assist in finding the pieces that work best for you and your voice. Whether you want to build your book from the ground up or fill the gaps in your existing repertoire, this will prepare you to make the most of opportunities that come your way.
“When it comes to conducting and music directing, coaching, listening and musicianship there is no one better. Always telling the truth, but leading with kindness - I believe she is a music angel on our earth. If you're lucky enough to coach with her, soak up every millisecond because you don't want to miss a thing.”
- Kristin Chenoweth
For Music Directors
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Music Direction Coaching
Becoming a Music Director is often not a clear pathway. How do you take your knowledge, passion, skill, and experience and turn that into a position as an MD? Are you really prepared for the opportunities when they arise?
Mary-Mitchell wants to share her decades of Music Direction and Supervision experience with a new generation of creative minds so they can succeed in this important role. Coaching includes such necessary skills such as piano and stick conducting, expanding piano abilities, and building confidence in accompanying both solo performers and leading an orchestra. Beyond the technical skills, these sessions would additionally focus on the interpersonal elements of Music Direction: strategies for working with a cast/creative team and building solution-oriented processes for problem-solving. Mary-Mitchell is also prepared to guide you through the business of the business– how do you get a job as a music director, and what are the varying jobs that exist for MDs? If you are already working on a professional level, talking through specific challenging situations and strategizing together can be game-changing.
“Over the years Mary-Mitchell has been incredibly generous with her time, drawing on her breadth of experience to give advice and guidance on groove playing, subbing, orchestrating, arranging, music directing, music supervising, and more. Her support, friendship, and mentorship have been invaluable and essential in informing my approach to Music Directing, and have played no small role in developing my ability and knowledge today.”
- Mona Seyed-Bolorforosh, Music Director
For Artists Trying to Find Their Place in the Industry
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Arts Career Consulting
When we think of careers in the Arts, sometimes we’re limited by what we already know: there are actors and musicians, directors and playwrights, technicians and designers, but what else? The world of the arts is incredibly expansive, so finding the right career path requires the knowledge of an expert. Mary-Mitchell offers Arts Career Consultation to get people who love the Arts into careers that can be fulfilling and exciting for them! By getting to know the individual (their history with theater, skills, interests, personality, likes and dislikes, and their needs from a job, etc.), Mary-Mitchell can identify potential careers for you to explore. Once there is an idea of the desired career trajectory, Mary-Mitchell will assist in building a personalized strategy for execution!
There is no wrong way to be an artist, so why not figure out the right way for you?
"Even after my first coaching session with Mary-Mitchell, I could already see improvement! She helped me not only with the technical aspects, but with the emotional aspects of singing as well. Not to mention, Mary-Mitchell was enthusiastic and super kind! I could tell she truly cared about me and my goals, which was really amazing coming from someone with such an impressive musical background!”
- Hollis Jacobs, 14 Year-Old Theater Lover